Systems with interactive management of environmental objects relative to human appendages

ABSTRACT

Systems are described for analyzing an environment. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a tag and a reader pair, the tag and the reader configured for individual positioning proximate a human appendage and an environmental object, wherein the reader is configured to identify the tag; a substrate configured to conform to the human appendage, the substrate coupled to at least one of the tag or the reader, the other of the tag or the reader configured to be coupled to the environmental object; a processor operably coupled to the reader and configured to receive one or more output signals from the reader, the one or more output signals corresponding to a threshold associated with the tag or the reader; and an output reporter operably coupled to the processor and configured to generate one or more communication signals responsive to instruction by the processor.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120,121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated byreference, including any priority claims made in those applications andany material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the earliest availableeffective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the“Priority Applications”), if any, listed below (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Application(s)).

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

None.

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the DomesticBenefit/National Stage Information section of the ADS and to eachapplication that appears in the Priority Applications section of thisapplication.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and of any and allapplications related to the Priority Applications by priority claims(directly or indirectly), including any priority claims made and subjectmatter incorporated by reference therein as of the filing date of theinstant application, is incorporated herein by reference to the extentsuch subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to, a tag and areader pair, the tag and the reader configured for individualpositioning proximate a human appendage and an environmental object,wherein the reader is configured to identify the tag; a substrateconfigured to conform to the human appendage, the substrate coupled toat least one of the tag or the reader, the other of the tag or thereader configured to be coupled to the environmental object; a processoroperably coupled to the reader and configured to receive one or moreoutput signals from the reader, the one or more output signalscorresponding to a threshold associated with the tag or the reader; andan output reporter operably coupled to the processor and configured togenerate one or more communication signals responsive to instruction bythe processor.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system with interactive management ofenvironmental objects relative to human appendages.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3A is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a system with interactive management ofenvironmental objects relative to human appendages.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a schematic of a system with interactive management ofenvironmental objects relative to human appendages.

FIG. 18 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a schematic of an embodiment of a system such as shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method of monitoring one or more of a humanappendage and an environmental object within an environment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method of monitoring one or more of a humanappendage and an environmental object within an environment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method of monitoring one or moreenvironmental objects within an environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Systems are described for monitoring environmental conditions aroundhuman appendages to aid in preventing damage (tissue damage, nervedamage, or the like) associated with physical impact between theappendages and environmental objects. Such systems can monitor theenvironment in proximity to body portions of an individual to identifypotential hazards for collision with the body portion, such asenvironmental objects in proximity to the body portion. Such systems candetermine what environmental objects pose a risk for impact, which canbe based on frequency of impact or repeated risks of impact. Suchsystems can provide locations associated with impending impacts and warnindividuals of impending impact. Such systems can analyze proximityinformation for a particular period of time and provide recommendationsconfigured to reduce the likelihood of impact with an environmentalobject or reduce a severity of impact with the environmental object. Forexample, the systems can be associated with an individual afflicted withneuropathy, an individual in a medical facility, an individual withvisual impairments that reduce their ability to acknowledgeenvironmental conditions while physically maneuvering about theenvironment, an individual that negotiates dark environments (e.g.,wakes and moves about at night), or so forth. Individuals afflicted withneuropathy (e.g., peripheral neuropathy) may have reduced capabilitiesto detect when a body portion comes in contact with another object or asurface due to an impairment of sensation, movement, or other normalbody functions. Neuropathy can result from a disease, such as diabetesor immune system diseases, from interactions with various medications ormedical treatments (such as chemotherapy), from inheritedcharacteristics, from vitamin deficiency, from traumatic injury, fromexcessive alcohol usage, from infections (e.g., human immunodeficiencyvirus (HIV)), or other conditions and sources. In embodiments, thesystems and devices described herein can monitor an environment todetermine whether an object in the environment poses a risk for impactwith human appendages, can analyze information associated with impactswith an environmental object or near impacts with an environmentalobject (e.g., when an appendage and the environmental object come withina distance threshold), can provide recommendations configured to reducethe likelihood of impact with an environmental object or reduce aseverity of impact with the environmental object, or so forth. Thesystems/devices can be positioned on the appendages, near theappendages, or remote from the appendages. The systems/devices canreport information including, but not limited to, informationcorresponding to a threshold associated with the appendage and theenvironmental object. The information corresponding to the thresholdassociated with the appendage and the environmental object can include,but is not limited to, information associated with a threshold distancebetween the appendage and the environmental object being met orexceeded, information associated with a frequency of impacts between theappendage and the environmental object, information associated with afrequency of near impacts, information associated with a warning ofimpact, information associated with a recommendation configured toreduce the likelihood of impact with an environmental object or reduce aseverity of impact with the environmental object, or so forth.

In embodiments, the systems and devices described herein employ a tagand a reader pair, where the tag and the reader are configured forindividual positioning proximate a human appendage and an environmentalobject. The tag can include, but is not limited to, an RFID tag, amagnetic material, or an optical label. The reader can be operablycoupled with a processor configured to receive one or more outputsignals from the reader. The processor can be configured to make one ormore determinations based on the one or more output signals and toinstruct an output reporter to provide information associated with thehuman appendage and/or the environmental object. The information caninclude, but is not limited to, recommendations configured to reduce thelikelihood of impact with the environmental object, reduce a severity ofimpact with the environmental object, or so forth.

In embodiments, the systems and devices described herein employ aplurality of tags, where at least one tag is coupled to a substrateconfigured to conform to a human appendage and where at least one othertag is configured to be coupled to an environmental object. The tags caninclude, but are not limited to, RFID tags, magnetic materials, oroptical labels. The systems and devices described herein can also employa remote reader positioned remotely from the plurality of tags, wherethe remote reader can be operably coupled to a processor configured toreceive one or more output signals from the remote reader. The processorcan be configured to make one or more determinations based on the one ormore output signals and to instruct an output reporter to provideinformation associated with the human appendage and/or the environmentalobject. The information can include, but is not limited to,recommendations configured to reduce the likelihood of impact with theenvironmental object, reduce a severity of impact with the environmentalobject, or so forth.

In embodiments, the systems and devices described herein employ aplurality of sensors, where each sensor of the plurality of sensors isconfigured for positioning proximate a respective environmental objectof a plurality of environmental objects. The sensors can include, butare not limited to, proximity sensors, pressure sensor, oraccelerometers. The systems and devices described herein can also employa remote device positioned remotely from the plurality of sensors, wherethe remote device can be operably coupled to a processor configured toreceive one or more output signals from the remote device. The processorcan be configured to make one or more determinations based on the one ormore output signals and to instruct an output reporter to provideinformation associated with the human appendage and/or the environmentalobject. The information can include, but is not limited to,recommendations configured to reduce the likelihood of impact with theenvironmental object, reduce a severity of impact with the environmentalobject, or so forth.

In embodiments, the systems and devices described herein employ anoutput reporter configured to generate one or more communication signalsresponsive to instruction by a processor. The output reporter can conveyinformation via the one or more communication signals, including but notlimited to, an auditory indication of the information, a visualindication of the information, or a tactile indication of theinformation.

In embodiments, shown in FIG. 1, a system (or device) 100 is configuredto monitor an environment through which an individual can move, wherethe system can identify environmental objects in proximity to anappendage of the individual to aid in preventing damage to one or moreof the individual or the environmental object associated with physicalimpact between the environmental object and the appendage. The system100 includes a tag 102, a reader 104, a substrate 106, a processor 108,and an output reporter 110. The tag 102 and the reader 104 form a tagand a reader pair 112 where the reader 104 is configured to identify thetag 102 through one or more identification protocols. For example, thetag 102 can include, but is not limited to, a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag, where the reader 104 can include, but is notlimited to, an RFID reader. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment where the tag 102includes an RFID tag 200 and where the reader 104 includes an RFIDreader 202 configured to at least one of identify or detect the RFID tag200. The tag 102 can also include, but is not limited to, a magneticmaterial (e.g., a diamagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, aferromagnetic material, etc.), where the reader 104 can include, but isnot limited to, a magnetic detector (e.g., a magnetic field detector, amagnetometer, etc.). FIG. 2 shows an embodiment where the tag 102includes a magnetic material 204 and where the reader 104 includes amagnetic detector 206 configured to at least one of identify or detectthe magnetic material 204. The tag 102 can also include, but is notlimited to, a metallic material, where the reader 104 can include, butis not limited to a magnetic material configured to at least one ofidentify or detect the metallic material. FIG. 2 shows an embodimentwhere the tag 102 includes a metallic material 208 and where the reader104 includes a metallic material 210 configured to at least one ofidentify or detect the metallic material 208. The tag 102 can alsoinclude, but is not limited to an optical label (e.g., a bar code, amatrix barcode (e.g. QR code), etc.), where the reader 104 can include,but is not limited to an optical reader (e.g., a camera, an imagingdevice, a scanner, etc.). FIG. 2 shows an embodiment where the tag 102includes an optical label 212 and where the reader 104 includes anoptical reader 214 configured to at least one of identify or detect theoptical label 212.

The substrate 106 is configured to conform to a human appendage 114. Forexample, the substrate 106 can comprise a deformable (e.g., conformable,flexible, stretchable, etc.) material configured to interface with, andconform to, the human appendage 114. The deformable and conformablenature of the substrate 106 facilitates interaction/interfacing with thehuman appendage 114, which includes a generally low-modulus anddeformable natural skin surface. The substrate 106 can with associatedwith one or more of a shoe, a sock, a finger cot, a wrap, a glove, aring, or a bracelet such that the substrate 106 can conform torespective human appendages. For example, the human appendage 114 caninclude, but is not limited to, an arm, an elbow, a wrist, a hand, afinger, a leg, a knee, an ankle, a foot, or a toe. In embodiments, thesubstrate 106 can include one or more of a stretchable/flexible fabric,an elastomeric polymer, a hydrocolloid film, a nanomembrane (e.g.,silicon nanomembrane), or other deformable/conformable material. Thesubstrate 106 can be positioned in proximity with the skin surfaceaccording to various mechanisms including, but not limited to, affixedto the skin via an adhesive material, held in place by an externalpressure, such as pressure provided by a material wrapped around orabout a body portion (e.g., a fabric, a garment, a bandage, etc.), or soforth.

The substrate 106 is configured to be coupled to at least one member ofthe tag and reader pair 112 to support the at least one member of thetag and reader pair 112 relative to the human appendage 114. When thesubstrate 106 is applied to the human appendage 114, the at least onemember of the tag and reader pair 112 can move with the human appendage114, travel through the environment with the human appendage 114, or soforth due to the conforming of the substrate 106 to the human appendage114. In embodiments, the substrate 106 is configured to couple to thetag 102 of the tag and reader pair 112. For example, as shown in FIG.3A, the substrate 106 is coupled to the tag 102, whereas the reader 104is associated with an environmental object 300 located within anenvironment. In general, the environmental object 300 is a physicalobject present within the environment that can pose a hazard for impactwith an individual. The environmental object can be a permanent or asemi-permanent feature of the environment, or can be a positionable(e.g., emplaceable) object in the environment. In an embodiment, anenvironmental object can be, for example, a substantially stationaryobject that is meant to take up designated space in the environment. Anenvironmental object can be, for example, an immovable object or apermanent object in the environment, such as a fixture in a room, awall, a counter, a fireplace, a kitchen appliance and the like. Anenvironmental object can be, for example, an object set in asemi-permanent position, for example a large piece of furniture such asa desk or sofa. An environmental object can be, for example, apositionable or emplaceable object that has a designated place andposition in the environment, the designated place and position beingpurposefully altered at will. Examples of positionable or emplaceablepieces found in a room would be a table, a coffee table, a chair, andthe like. In embodiments, the environmental object 300 can include, butis not limited to, a furniture item, a chair, a table, a sofa, a desk, awall, a door, a hanging or suspended object, or portions thereof. Forexample, the environmental object 300 can include a portion of afurniture item, such as a furniture leg, an edge of a furniture item(e.g., an edge of a coffee table, an edge of a desk, etc.), or the likethat can pose a hazard for impact with an individual as the individualmoves through the environment. As another example, the environmentalobject 300 can include a portion of a desk and/or an item supported bythe desk, such as a keyboard, a container, an edge of the desk, or thelike that can pose a hazard for impact with a portion of the individual,such as the individual's hands or fingers, particularly where theindividual is affected by neuropathy or other condition affectingnervous system functionality. As another example, the environmentalobject 300 can include a wall, a door, or portions thereof, such as adoor frame, a doorjamb, a door threshold, or the like. In certainembodiments, the environment in which the environmental object(s) residemight be a smaller area. For example, when the appendage 114 is a fingerof a person suffering from neuropathy in the hands, the environmentmight be a desktop. Environmental objects on a desktop can includeimmovable objects such as edges, keyboard supports and the like.Additionally, environmental objects on a desktop can includesubstantially stationary objects such as a monitor, printer, etc., whilepositionable objects can include such items as a lamp, a storagecontainer (e.g., pen holder or coffee cup), a phone, etc.

The reader 104 can couple to the environmental object 300 such that thereader 104 is at least partially supported by the environmental object300. For example, the reader 104 can couple to the environmental object300 via an adhesive material, via an external pressure (e.g., such aspressure provided by a material wrapped around or about theenvironmental object 300), or so forth. The reader 104 is configured toone or more of communicate with or identify the tag 102, and cangenerate one or more output signals responsive to one or more ofcommunications with or identification of the tag 102. When the tag 102is coupled to the substrate 106 (e.g., as shown in an embodiment in FIG.3A), the tag 102 can move through the environment during movement of thehuman appendage 114 through the environment. Such movement can include,but is not limited to, movement of a foot during walking across a floorof an environment, movement of a hand across a table surface, movementof fingers across a keyboard surface, or so forth. The reader 104 candetect changes in the distance or proximity between the reader 104 andthe tag 102 as the tag 102 moves through the environment. Such detectedchanges and other information associated with the distance or proximitybetween the reader 104 and the tag 102 can processed by the processor108 and reported by the output reporter 110 as described further herein.

In embodiments, the substrate 106 is configured to couple to the reader104 of the tag and reader pair 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B,the substrate 106 is coupled to the reader 104, whereas the tag 102 isassociated with the environmental object 300 located within anenvironment. The tag 102 can couple to the environmental object 300 suchthat the tag 102 is at least partially supported by the environmentalobject 300. For example, the tag 102 can couple to the environmentalobject 300 via an adhesive material, via an external pressure (e.g.,such as pressure provided by a material wrapped around or about theenvironmental object 300), or so forth. The reader 104 is configured toone or more of communicate with or identify the tag 102, and cangenerate one or more output signals responsive to one or more ofcommunications with or identification of the tag 102. When reader 104 iscoupled to the substrate 106 (e.g., as shown in an embodiment in FIG.3B), the reader 104 can move through the environment during movement ofthe human appendage 114 through the environment. Such movement caninclude, but is not limited to, movement of a foot during walking acrossa floor of an environment, movement of a hand across a table surface,movement of fingers across a keyboard surface, or so forth. The reader104 can detect changes in the distance or proximity between the reader104 and the tag 102 as the reader 104 moves through the environment.Such detected changes and other information associated with the distanceor proximity between the reader 104 and the tag 102 can processed by theprocessor 108 and reported by the output reporter 110 as describedfurther herein.

The processor 108 is operably coupled to the reader 104 and isconfigured to receive one or more output signals from the reader 104.The processor 108 and the reader 104 can communicate via wired orwireless communication protocols such that the processor 108 receivesthe one or more output signals from the reader 104. For example, theprocessor 108 can be positioned remotely from the reader 104, positionedadjacent to the reader 104, coupled to the reader 104 and/or thesubstrate 106, or the like. In general, the one or more output signalsfrom the reader 104 correspond to information associated with one ormore of the tag 102 or the reader 104. For example, the one or moreoutput signals from the reader 104 correspond to a threshold associatedwith the tag 102 or the reader 104. In embodiments, the thresholdassociated with the tag 102 or the reader 104 is a distance thresholdbetween the tag 102 and the reader 104, where the processor 108 canprocess the one or more output signals to make a determination regardingwhen the tag 102 and the reader 104 are at a distance that is less thanthe distance threshold. The distance threshold can correspond to a valueindicative of an impending impact, or a near miss, such that when adistance between the tag 102 and the reader 104 is less than thethreshold distance, the tag 102 and the reader 104 can be at risk forimpact with each other. For example, in embodiments, the distancethreshold is between about one-eighth inch and about ten feet, althoughother distance thresholds can be utilized which can depend on theconfiguration of the environment and the environmental object(s) 300. Inembodiments, the threshold associated with the tag 102 or the reader 104is a frequency threshold between the tag 102 and the reader 104. Thefrequency threshold can correspond to a frequency of occurrencesassociated with the tag 102 and the reader 104, such as a frequency ofoccurrence of impact between the tag 102 and the reader 104, a frequencyof occurrence of near impact (e.g., a distance less than the thresholddistance but not in contact) between the tag 102 and the reader 104, afrequency of occurrence of interaction between the tag 102 and thereader 104, a frequency of occurrence of identification by the reader104 of the tag 102, a frequency of occurrence of detection by the reader104 of the tag 102, or the like. The processor 108 can process the oneor more output signals associated with the frequency threshold to make adetermination pertaining to a frequency of occurrences between the tag102 and the reader 104.

The processor 108 includes components to process the one or more outputsignals from the reader 104 and to provide instruction to the outputreporter 110 to generate one or more communication signals associatedwith one or more of data associated with the one or more output signalsor determinations made by the processor 108. For example, the processor108 can include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), adigital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate entry (FPGA), or the like, orany combinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analogcircuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In oneembodiment, the computing device includes one or more ASICs having aplurality of predefined logic components. In one embodiment, thecomputing device includes one or more FPGAs having a plurality ofprogrammable logic commands.

In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine that animpact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe reader 104. For example, an interaction or impact between the tag102 and the reader 104 can be used as a proxy for determining an impacthas occurred between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300. In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determinea time of the impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe reader 104. For example, as provided in FIG. 4, the system 100 caninclude a timing device 400 communicatively coupled with the processor108 and configured to provide timing information or data to theprocessor 108, where such timing information can include, for example, atime at which the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300impact each other. The timing device 400 can include, but is not limitedto a mechanical timing device, an electromechanical timing device, anelectrical timing device, a programmable logic controller, a hardwaretiming device, or the like. In embodiments, the processor 108 isconfigured to determine a frequency of impacts between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 based on the one or moreoutput signals from the reader 104. The processor 108 can determine thefrequency of impacts for an operation period of the system 100, for aspecified period of time, for an average time span, or the like. Inembodiments, the processor 108 can determine the time since a previousimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300based on the one or more output signals from the reader 104.

In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance based on the one or more outputsignals from the reader 104. Such determination can provide anindication that the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300are within sufficient proximity to pose a threat for impact with oneanother, or missed impacting each other by a margin that is less thanthe threshold distance (e.g., a near impact). For example, aninteraction or impact between the tag 102 and the reader 104 can be usedas a proxy for determining that the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 are at a distance from each other that is lessthan the threshold distance. The threshold distance can be apredetermined value that corresponds to a safety consideration toprevent or mitigate impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 108 isconfigured to determine a time corresponding to when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 becameless than the threshold distance based on the one or more output signalsfrom the reader 104. The timing device 400 can be configured to providea time at which the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300came within the threshold distance with respect to each other. Forexample, when the processor 108 determines that the human appendage 114and the environmental object 300 are within the threshold distance withrespect to each other, the processor 108 can refer to the timing device400 to receive the current time from the timing device 400. Inembodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine a frequency ofinstances when the distance between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 became less than the threshold distance basedon the one or more output signals from the reader 104. The processor 108can determine the frequency of such instances for an operation period ofthe system 100, for a specified period of time, for an average timespan, or the like. In embodiments, the processor 108 can determine thetime since a previous instance of when the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 came within the threshold distance with respectto each other based on the one or more output signals from the reader104.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 5), the system 100 includes amemory device 500 configured to store data associated with operation ofthe system 100, such as data associated with one or more of the tag 102or the reader 104. The memory device 500 can include, but is not limitedto, a computer memory device, random-access memory (RAM), read-onlymemory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), flash memory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD), or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information maintained by the system 100 and which can beaccessed by the processor 108, the output reporter 110, or otherassociated accessing device. In embodiments, the memory device 500 canstore data associated with an impact or near impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300. The data associated withan impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 can include, but is not limited to, a time of the impact between thehuman appendage 114 and the environmental object 300, or a frequency ofoccurrences of impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300. In embodiments, the memory device 500 canstore data associated with when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance. The data associated with when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance can include, but is not limited to, data associatedwith when the distance between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, or afrequency of instances of when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 6), the system 100 includes animpact sensor 600 configured to provide one or more output signalscorresponding to a detected impact or near impact associated with one ormore of the tag 102 or the reader 104. The impact sensor 600 caninclude, but is not limited to, one or more of a proximity sensor, apressure sensor, or an accelerometer. For example, the impact sensor 600can include multiple (i.e., more than one) sensors of the proximitysensor, the pressure sensor, and the accelerometer, such as both of aproximity sensor and a pressure sensor, each of a proximity sensor, apressure sensor, and an accelerometer, or so forth. The proximity sensorcan include one or more of an optical proximity sensor, an acousticproximity sensor, or an electromagnetic proximity sensor. The opticalproximity sensor, the acoustic proximity sensor, and the electromagneticproximity sensor can be configured to emit signals and detect reflectedsignals in accordance with their specific detection protocols. Anoptical proximity sensor can detect one or more optical signals (e.g.,one or more optical electromagnetic signals) and generate one or moresense signals in response thereto. For example, an optical proximitysensor of the impact sensor 600 can be configured to detect and/oridentify an environmental object 300 and/or a human appendage 114, andtheir proximity relative to components of the system 100 based ondetected optical signals. The optical sensor can include, but is notlimited to, a photodetector (e.g., to detect one or more electromagneticsignals reflected from a surface of an object), an imaging device (e.g.,a camera to generate a visual image of one or more objects in proximityto components of the system 100), or the like. For example, an opticalproximity sensor of the impact sensor 600 can be configured to emit alight signal and detect a reflected light signal, for example areflected light signal that is reflected by an environmental object 300and/or a human appendage 114. The acoustic proximity sensor can detectand/or identify objects and their proximity relative to components ofthe system 100 based on detected acoustic signals. For example, anacoustic proximity sensor of the impact sensor 600 can be configured todetect and/or identify an environmental object 300 and/or a humanappendage 114, and their proximity relative to components of the system100 based on detected acoustic signals. For example, an acousticproximity sensor of the impact sensor 600 can be configured to emit anacoustic signal and detect a reflected signal, for example a reflectedacoustic signal that is reflected by an environmental object 300 and/ora human appendage 114. The acoustic proximity sensor can include, but isnot limited to, sensors configured to detect ultrasonic signals,radio-frequency signals, or the like. An electromagnetic proximitysensor can detect and/or identify objects and their proximity relativeto components of the system 100 based on detected electromagneticsignals. For example, an electromagnetic proximity sensor of the impactsensor 600 can be configured to detect and/or identify an environmentalobject 300 and/or a human appendage 114, and their proximity relative tocomponents of the system 100 based on detected electromagnetic signals.For example, an electromagnetic proximity sensor of the impact sensor600 can be configured to emit an electromagnetic signal and detect areflected electromagnetic signal, for example a reflectedelectromagnetic signal that is reflected by an environmental object 300and/or a human appendage 114. The electromagnetic proximity sensor caninclude, for example, a bolometer or a thermal imaging device (e.g., tomeasure incident electromagnetic radiation of objects in proximity tocomponents of the system 100). In embodiments, the impact sensor 600includes a pressure sensor configured to sense a direct impact, such asan impact between the environmental object and the human appendage 114.

The processor 108 can be communicatively coupled with the impact sensor600 to receive the one or more output signals from the impact sensor600. In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine thatan impact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based at least in part on the one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor 600. For example, the impactsensor 600 can be positioned on or in close proximity to one or more ofthe human appendage 114 or the environmental object 300, such as byassociating the impact sensor 600 with one or more of the tag 102 or thereader 104. In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determinea time of the impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe impact sensor 600. For example, the timing device 400 (e.g., shownin FIG. 4) can be communicatively coupled with the processor 108, wherethe processor 108 can access a time from the timing device 400 when theone or more output signals from the impact sensor 600 provide anindication that an impact has occurred between the human appendage 114and the environmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 108 isconfigured to determine a frequency of impacts between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 based on the one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor 600. The processor 108 candetermine the frequency of impacts for an operation period of the system100, for a specified period of time, for an average time span, or thelike. In embodiments, the processor 108 can determine the time since aprevious impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 based on the one or more output signals from the impactsensor 600.

In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance based at least in part on theone or more output signals from the impact sensor 600. The thresholddistance can be a predetermined value that corresponds to a safetyconsideration to prevent or mitigate impact between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 108is configured to determine a time corresponding to when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 becameless than the threshold distance based on the one or more output signalsfrom the impact sensor 600. For example, the timing device 400 can beconfigured to provide a time at which the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 came within the threshold distance with respectto each other. In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured todetermine a frequency of instances when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 became less than thethreshold distance based on the one or more output signals from theimpact sensor 600. The processor 108 can determine the frequency of suchinstances for an operation period of the system 100, for a specifiedperiod of time, for an average time span, or the like. In embodiments,the processor 108 can determine the time since a previous instance ofwhen the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 camewithin the threshold distance with respect to each other based on theone or more output signals from the impact sensor 600.

In embodiments, the memory device 500 can store data associated with animpact or near impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, where a determination of the impact is basedat least in part on the one or more output signals from the impactsensor 600. The data associated with an impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 can include, but is notlimited to, a time of the impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, or a frequency of occurrences of impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300. Inembodiments, the memory device 500 can store data associated with whenthe distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance, where a determinationthat the distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance is based at least in parton the impact sensor 600. The data associated with when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is lessthan the threshold distance can include, but is not limited to, dataassociated with when the distance between the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, or afrequency of instances of when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance.

In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine that animpact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe reader 104 and the one or more output signals from the impact sensor600. For example, the reader 104 can provide data associated with theproximity of the tag 102 relative to the reader 104, which can providean indication of when the human appendage 114 is close to or impactedwith the environmental object 300. The impact sensor 600 can bepositioned on or in close proximity to one or more of the humanappendage 114 or the environmental object 300, such as by associatingthe impact sensor 600 with one or more of the tag 102 or the reader 104,and can provide data associated with impact to the human appendage 114or the environmental object 300 depending on where the impact sensor 600is located. For example, the impact sensor 600 can be associated with atag 102 located on the environmental object 300 and can register animpact to the environmental object 300. The reader 104 can providesupplementary data to determine that the human appendage 114 caused theimpact, such as when the reader 104 is coupled to the substrate 106applied to the human appendage 114, where the reader 104 can identifythe tag 102 via the tag and reader pair 112 relationship. Inembodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine a time of theimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300based on the one or more output signals from the reader 104 and the oneor more output signals from the impact sensor 600. For example, thetiming device 400 (e.g., shown in FIG. 4) can be communicatively coupledwith the processor 108, where the processor 108 can access a time fromthe timing device 400 when the one or more output signals from theimpact sensor 600 provide an indication that an impact has occurredbetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300. Inembodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine a frequency ofimpacts between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300based on the one or more output signals from the reader 104 and the oneor more output signals from the impact sensor 600. The processor 108 candetermine the frequency of impacts for an operation period of the system100, for a specified period of time, for an average time span, or thelike. In embodiments, the processor 108 can determine the time since aprevious impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 based on the one or more output signals from the reader 104and the one or more output signals from the impact sensor 600.

In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance based on the one or more outputsignals from the reader 104 and the one or more output signals from theimpact sensor 600. The threshold distance can be a predetermined valuethat corresponds to a safety consideration to prevent or mitigate impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300. Inembodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine a timecorresponding to when the distance between the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 became less than the threshold distancebased on the one or more output signals from the reader 104 and the oneor more output signals from the impact sensor 600. For example, thetiming device 400 can be configured to provide a time at which the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 came within the thresholddistance with respect to each other. In embodiments, the processor 108is configured to determine a frequency of instances when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 becameless than the threshold distance based on the one or more output signalsfrom the reader 104 and the one or more output signals from the impactsensor 600. The processor 108 can determine the frequency of suchinstances for an operation period of the system 100, for a specifiedperiod of time, for an average time span, or the like. In embodiments,the processor 108 can determine the time since a previous instance ofwhen the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 camewithin the threshold distance with respect to each other based on theone or more output signals from the reader 104 and the one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor 600.

In embodiments, the memory device 500 can store data associated with animpact or near impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, where a determination of the impact is basedon the one or more output signals from the reader 104 and the one ormore output signals from the impact sensor 600. The data associated withan impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 can include, but is not limited to, a time of the impact between thehuman appendage 114 and the environmental object 300, or a frequency ofoccurrences of impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300. In embodiments, the memory device 500 canstore data associated with when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance, where a determination that the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance is based on the one or more output signals from thereader 104 and the one or more output signals from the impact sensor600. The data associated with when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance can include, but is not limited to, data associatedwith when the distance between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, or afrequency of instances of when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 7), the system 100 includes alocation sensor 700 configured to generate one or more output signalsassociated with a location (e.g., geographical location, absolutelocation, relative location, etc.) of at least one of the humanappendage 114 or the environmental object 300. In embodiments, thelocation sensor 700 is configured to determine a location of one or moreof the tag 102 or the reader 104, which in embodiments can provide ananalog for a location of one or more of the human appendage 114 or theenvironmental object 300. The location sensor 700 can include, but isnot limited to, one or more of a positioning sensor (e.g., a satelliteand/or terrestrial-based positioning system, such as a globalpositioning system, an indoor positional system, a cellular networksystem, a land mobile radio based system, etc.), an optic sensor (e.g.,an imaging device for location recognition), a laser (e.g., laser orlaser diode positioning sensors), an acoustic sensor (e.g., acousticsource localization device), or a radar-based sensor (e.g., a frequencymodulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar detector/sensor). In embodiments,the location sensor 700 is configured for positioning on the humanappendage 114. For example, the location sensor 700 can be coupled tothe substrate 106. In embodiments, the location sensor 700 is positionedremote from at least one of the human appendage 114 or the environmentalobject 300. For example, the location sensor 700 can be configured toremotely determine the location of at least one of the human appendage114 or the environmental object 300. In embodiments, the location sensor700 is coupled to the reader 104. For example, the reader 104 caninclude a location sensor 700 configured to identify a location of thereader 104, which can correspond to a location of one or more of thehuman appendage 114 or the environmental object 300 depending on wherethe reader 104 is coupled.

In embodiments, the location sensor 700 includes an accelerometer, whichcan serve an as initiator for when the location sensor 700 is operable.For example, the location sensor 700 can measure one or more of adistance or a direction from an initiation point based on activation ofthe accelerometer. Such activation can be due to movement of the humanappendage 114 (such as when the reader 104 and location sensor 700 arepositioned on the substrate 106 on the human appendage 114), due toimpact to the environmental object 300 (such as when the reader 104 andlocation sensor 700 are positioned on the substrate 106 on either of thehuman appendage 114 or the environmental object 300), or the like. Theinitiation point can correspond to one or more of a user reference point(e.g., a position of a user on which the substrate 106 is coupled), anupdatable reference point (e.g., a reference point of the environmentalobject 300), or the like.

In embodiments, the location sensor 700 is configured to interact with anetwork of location beacons to measure the location of at least one ofthe reader 104 or the tag 102. For example, the network of locationbeacons can include, but is not limited to, beacons configured toperiodically or continuously transmit data associated with a location ofthe respective beacon, beacons configured to periodically orcontinuously transmit data associated with an operation status of therespective beacon, or the like. The beacons can include devicesoperating under a common communications standard, including but notlimited to, Bluetooth communication protocols, RFID communicationprotocols, or the like.

The processor 108 can be communicatively coupled with the locationsensor 700 to receive the one or more output signals from the locationsensor 700. In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determinethat an impact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based at least in part on the one or moreoutput signals from the location sensor 700. For example, the locationsensor 700 can track the location of one or more of the human appendage114 or the environmental object 300, whereby the processor 108 candetermine that the location of the human appendage 114 or theenvironmental object 300 overlaps with or substantially matches alocation of the other of the human appendage 114 or the environmentalobject 300. In embodiments, the memory device 500 stores locationinformation associated with one or more environmental objects 300, wherethe location sensor 700 tracks the location of the human appendage 114.The processor 108 can compare the tracked location of the humanappendage 114 to the stored location information associated with one ormore environmental objects 300 to determine whether the human appendage114 impacted with or more of the environmental objects 300. Inembodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine a time of theimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300based on the one or more output signals from the location sensor 700.For example, the timing device 400 (e.g., shown in FIG. 4) can becommunicatively coupled with the processor 108, where the processor 108can access a time from the timing device 400 when the one or more outputsignals from the location sensor 700 provide an indication that animpact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 108 isconfigured to determine a frequency of impacts between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 based on the one or moreoutput signals from the location sensor 700. The processor 108 candetermine the frequency of impacts for an operation period of the system100, for a specified period of time, for an average time span, or thelike. In embodiments, the processor 108 can determine the time since aprevious impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 based on the one or more output signals from the locationsensor 700.

In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance based at least in part on theone or more output signals from the location sensor 700. The thresholddistance can be a predetermined value that corresponds to a safetyconsideration to prevent or mitigate impact between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300. For example, the location sensor700 can track the location of one or more of the human appendage 114 orthe environmental object 300, whereby the processor 108 can determine adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300, in order to determine that the distance is less than apredetermined threshold distance. In embodiments, the processor 108 isconfigured to determine a time corresponding to when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 becameless than the threshold distance based on the one or more output signalsfrom the location sensor 700. For example, the timing device 400 can beconfigured to provide a time at which the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 came within the threshold distance with respectto each other. In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured todetermine a frequency of instances when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 became less than thethreshold distance based on the one or more output signals from thelocation sensor 700. The processor 108 can determine the frequency ofsuch instances for an operation period of the system 100, for aspecified period of time, for an average time span, or the like. Inembodiments, the processor 108 can determine the time since a previousinstance of when the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 came within the threshold distance with respect to each other basedon the one or more output signals from the location sensor 700.

In embodiments, the memory device 500 can store data associated with animpact or near impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, where a determination of the impact is basedat least in part on the one or more output signals from the locationsensor 700. The data associated with an impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 can include, but is notlimited to, a time of the impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, or a frequency of occurrences of impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300. Inembodiments, the memory device 500 can store data associated with whenthe distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance, where a determinationthat the distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance is based at least in parton the location sensor 700. The data associated with when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is lessthan the threshold distance can include, but is not limited to, dataassociated with when the distance between the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, or afrequency of instances of when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 8), the system 100 can include arecorder 800 operably coupled to the processor 108. In general, therecorder 800 is configured to record, store, or the like, data, outputsignals, and communication signals generated by one or more componentsof the system 100. For example, the recorder 800 can be configured torecord the one or more output signals from the reader 104 in a memorydevice, such as the memory device 500. In embodiments, the recorder 800is configured to store in the memory device 500 data associated with animpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300.Such data can include, but is not limited to, a time of impact, alocation of impact, or a frequency of impact. In embodiments, therecorder 800 is configured to store in the memory device 500 dataassociated with when the distance between the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance. Suchdata can include, but is not limited to, a time corresponding to whenthe distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance, a location correspondingto when the distance between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, or afrequency of instances of when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance.

In embodiments, the processor 108 can be configured to makedeterminations regarding one or more physical aspects associated with atleast one of the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300.For example, the processor 108 can be configured to determine a force ofan impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300. The processor 108 can access data from one or more sensors of thesystem 100 to make such determinations. For example, the processor 108can access data from a force sensor, from a pressure sensor, from anaccelerometer, or the like. In embodiments, the processor 108 isconfigured to determine what a force of a potential impact would be,should such potential impact actually occur. For example, the processor108 can determine, based on at least a current or previous velocity,speed, or the like of the human appendage 114, what force the humanappendage 114 would impact the environmental object 300 should the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 actually collide. Inembodiments, the processor 108 can extrapolate and/or interpolate one ormore of positional data, speed data, velocity data, or acceleration datato estimate or predict the force at which the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 would collide.

The output reporter 110 is configured to generate one or morecommunication signals to report information associated with operation ofthe system 100. In embodiments, the output reporter 110 is configured togenerate one or more communication signals responsive to instruction bythe processor 108. The information from the output reporter 110 may beprovided one or more of visually (e.g., via transmission, printinginformation, or display of visual information), audibly (e.g., viatransmission or display of auditory information), tactually (e.g., viapresentation of tactile information), or as data (e.g., via transmissionor display of one or more data signals associated with the informationto convey). The output reporter 110 may function in combination with theprocessor 108 to provide visual, auditory, or tactile informationassociated with the human appendage 114 and/or the environmental object300, such as the proximity of the human appendage 114 with respect tothe environmental object 300, impact information, threshold information,recommendations for action with respect to the environmental object 300,or the like. In embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 9, the outputreporter 110 includes a display device 900 configured to report,communicate, or otherwise provide information to a user of the system100, such as to provide visual (e.g., graphical, textual, etc.)indications of the information associated with operation of the system100. The display device 900 can include, but is not limited to, one ormore of a graphical user interface (GUI), a touchscreen assembly (e.g.,a capacitive touch screen), a liquid crystal display (LCD), alight-emitting diode (LED) display, or a projection-based display. Asshown in FIG. 9, the output reporter 110 can include one or more of anaudio device 902, configured to provide auditory indications of theinformation associated with operation of the system 100, a tactiledevice (e.g., a vibration device), configured to provide tactileindications of the information associated with operation of the system100, a printing device 906, configured to print a tangible/physicalindication of the information associated with operation of the system100, or a transmitter 908, configured to transmit information from thesystem 100 to an external device or location (e.g., a remote entity, aremote device (e.g., an alarm positioned in the subject's room, ahealthcare provider's room, a third party computing device, or soforth), a remote server, a remote network (e.g., a LAN (local areanetwork), a BAN (body area network), a smart house, or so forth), anexternal device associated with an external network that includes one ormore of a health provider network, an insurance network, a personalhealth record, or a personal health database, or so forth). Inembodiments, the external device includes a communication device, suchas one or more of a mobile communication device or a computer systemincluding, but not limited to, mobile computing devices (e.g., hand-heldportable computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), laptopcomputers, netbook computers, tablet computers, or so forth), mobiletelephone devices (e.g., cellular telephones and smartphones), devicesthat include functionalities associated with smartphones and tabletcomputers (e.g., phablets), portable game devices, portable mediaplayers, multimedia devices, satellite navigation devices (e.g., GlobalPositioning System (GPS) navigation devices), e-book reader devices(eReaders), Smart Television (TV) devices, surface computing devices(e.g., table top computers), Personal Computer (PC) devices, and otherdevices that employ touch-based human interfaces. The output reporter110 can communicate (e.g., send and receive communication signals) withthe external device via one or more connected and wireless communicationmechanisms including, but not limited to acoustic communication signals,optical communication signals, radio communication signals, infraredcommunication signals, ultrasonic communication signals, and the like.

In embodiments, the output reporter 110 generates (e.g., via the displaydevice 900) a graphical representation of data associated with operationof the system 100. The graphical representation can include a map-baseddisplay of the information, which can provide the data with respect toabsolute or relative locations. The map can correspond to a regionproximate one or more environmental objects 300 and can displayinformation associated with interaction between the human appendage 114and the one or more environmental objects. For example, the map canindicate frequency of impact (or near impact) between the humanappendage 114 and various environmental objects 300 where the data iscolor-coded to differentiate between differing frequencies. Otherpresentations of data are possible, including but not limited to,topographical plots, bar plots, pie plots, or the like. As anotherexample, the map can indicate time of impact (or near impact) betweenthe human appendage 114 and various environmental objects 300 where thedata is coded to differentiate between differing times of impact (ornear impact).

In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to generate arecommendation based on one or more output signals from one or more ofthe reader 104, the impact sensor 600, or the location sensor 700. Therecommendation can include, but is not limited to, a recommendationpertaining to the environmental object 300, where such recommendationcan reduce at least one of a likelihood of impact with the environmentalobject 300 or a degree of severity of impact with the environmentalobject 300. For example, in embodiments, the recommendation includes arecommendation to reposition the environmental object 300 to a newlocation within the environment. The new location within the environmentcan be a location that an individual is less likely to impact with theenvironmental object 300 as compared to the previous location (i.e., thelocation prior to the recommendation to reposition the environmentalobject 300). For example, the processor 108 can access (e.g., from thememory device 500) one or more modules configured to analyze thepositioning of the environmental object 300 based on one or more outputsignals from one or more of the reader 104, the impact sensor 600, orthe location sensor 700. Where the processor 108 determines that thecurrent position of the environmental object 300 results in too manyimpacts (e.g., the number of impacts between the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 exceeds a threshold impact value), theprocessor 108 can generate the recommendation to reposition theenvironmental object 300 to a new location within the environment. Thenew location within the environment can include one or more of adifferent location within the environment than the previous positionprior to the recommendation to reposition the environmental object 300,a location within a threshold distance from the previous position, alocation outside of a threshold distance from the previous position, alocation determined to have a probability of fewer impacts between thehuman appendage 114 and the environmental object 300, or so forth. Inembodiments, the processor 108 conveys the recommendation to repositionthe environmental object 300 via the output reporter 110. For example,the output reporter 110 can generate one or more of a visual indicationof the recommendation (e.g., via the display device 900), an audibleindication of the recommendation (e.g., via the audio device 902), atactile indication of the recommendation (e.g., via the tactile device904), a physical indication of the recommendation (e.g., via theprinting device 906), or a transmitted indication via one or more datasignals (e.g., via the transmitter 908).

In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured to generate a visiblerecommendation associated with a map corresponding to a region proximatethe environmental object 300. The processor 108 can generate the map viathe output reporter 110 to provide the visible recommendation. The mapcan include information including but not limited to, a recommendedlocation to reposition the environmental object 300, a listing of areasproximate the environmental object 300 within the environment to whichthe environmental object 300 can be repositioned, a region proximate theenvironmental object 300 within a threshold distance, a regioncorresponding to locations outside of a threshold distance from theenvironmental object 300, data associated with impact frequencyassociated with one or more environmental objects, or so forth. Forexample, in embodiments, the processor 108 generates the map via theoutput reporter 110, wherein the map provides a visual distinctionbetween varying intensities of impact between respective environmentalobjects (e.g., lower wavelength colors for areas corresponding to moreimpacts, higher wavelength colors for areas corresponding to fewerimpacts, etc.).

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 108includes a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 with acushioning material. The cushioning material can reduce a degree ofseverity of impact with the environmental object 300 by absorbing ormitigating at least a portion of the force of impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300. For example, cushioningmaterial can include, but is not limited to, fibrous materials (e.g.,synthetic fibers, fabric, felt, paper, cardboard, feather, etc.),polymeric materials (e.g., foam, memory foam, rubber, polystyrene,polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, etc.), entrapped gas material(e.g., air cushions, gas enclosed within plastic film, etc.), mechanicaldevices (e.g., shock absorber, spring-based device, pneumatic device,etc.), or the like. The processor 108 can access (e.g., from the memorydevice 500) one or more modules configured to analyze force of impactsbetween the environmental object 300 and another object (e.g., the humanappendage 114) based on one or more output signals from one or more ofthe reader 104, the impact sensor 600, or the location sensor 700. Inembodiments, when the processor 108 determines that one or more impactswith the environmental object 300 results in a force of impact thatexceeds a threshold force of impact value, the processor 108 cangenerate the recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 witha cushioning material to reduce or mitigate the force of subsequentimpacts with the environmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor108 conveys the recommendation to provide the cushioning material to theenvironmental object 300 via the output reporter 110. For example, theoutput reporter 110 can generate one or more of a visual indication ofthe recommendation (e.g., via the display device 900), an audibleindication of the recommendation (e.g., via the audio device 902), atactile indication of the recommendation (e.g., via the tactile device904), a physical indication of the recommendation (e.g., via theprinting device 906), or a transmitted indication via one or more datasignals (e.g., via the transmitter 908).

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 108includes a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 with avisible indicator. The visible indicator can reduce the likelihood ofimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300by providing a visual indication associated with the position of theenvironmental object 300 within the environment. For example, the visualindicator can include a visible light source that can be placed on/nearthe environmental object 300 to provide an individual with a visualindication associated with the position of the environmental object 300within the environment. The visible light source can illuminate at leasta portion of the environmental object 300, which can assist anindividual in viewing the environmental object 300, such as duringperiods of darkness within the environment (e.g., nighttime, powerfailure, etc.). In embodiments, the processor 108 is configured toactivate the visual indicator based upon one or more output signals fromone or more of the reader 104, the impact sensor 600, or the locationsensor 700. For example, the output signals from one or more of thereader 104, the impact sensor 600, or the location sensor 700 canprovide an indication that the human appendage 114 is within a thresholddistance from the environmental object 300, whereby the processor 108activates the visual indicator to provide a warning to the individualregarding a potential impact with the environmental object 300.

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 108includes a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 withan audible indicator. The audible indicator can reduce the likelihood ofimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300by providing an auditory indication associated with the position of theenvironmental object 300 within the environment. For example, theaudible indicator can include an alarm device or speaker device that canbe placed on/near the environmental object 300 to provide an individualwith an auditory indication associated with the position of theenvironmental object 300 within the environment. The audible indicatorcan alert an individual to the presence of the environmental object 300,which can assist an individual in avoiding contact or impact with theenvironmental object 300, such as during periods of darkness within theenvironment (e.g., nighttime, power failure, etc.), for individuals withvisual impairments, or the like. In embodiments, the processor 108 isconfigured to activate the audible indicator based upon one or moreoutput signals from one or more of the reader 104, the impact sensor600, or the location sensor 700. For example, the output signals fromone or more of the reader 104, the impact sensor 600, or the locationsensor 700 can provide an indication that the human appendage 114 iswithin a threshold distance from the environmental object 300, wherebythe processor 108 activates the audible indicator to provide a warningto the individual regarding a potential impact with the environmentalobject 300.

In embodiments, the output reporter 110 is configured to generate analert responsive to instruction by the processor 108 when a distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is lessthan a threshold distance. The environmental object 300 can beidentified by the system 100 as at least one of a risk for impact withthe human appendage 114 or a previously impacted object (e.g.,previously impact by the human appendage 114, another environmentalobject, etc.). For example, the processor 108 can access (e.g., from thememory device 500) one or more modules configured to analyze a positionof a particular environmental object 300 (or an analog for theenvironmental object, such as the tag 102, the reader 104, etc.)relative to the human appendage 114 (or an analog for the humanappendage 114, such as the tag 102, the reader 104, etc.) based at leastin part on one or more output signals from one or more of the reader104, the impact sensor 600, or the location sensor 700 to determine adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300. The processor 108 can then compare the determined distance betweenthe human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 to a thresholddistance to determine whether the determined distance is less than thethreshold distance. The threshold distance can be a stored value thatcan depend on spacing considerations (e.g., constraints of the size ofthe environment), can depend on particular environmental objects (e.g.,more dangerous environmental objects can have a larger attributedthreshold distance), or the like. Such comparison can occur on aperiodic basis, a continuous basis, or the like. Where the processor 108determines that the distance between the environmental object 300 andthe human appendage 114 is less than the threshold distance, theprocessor 108 can instruct the output reporter 110 to generate an alert.In embodiments, the alert can be one or more of an audible alert, avisual alert, or a tactile alert.

In embodiments, the alert is associated with the human appendage 114. Analert associated with the human appendage 114 can include, but is notlimited to, one or more of an alert displayed on the human appendage114, an alert projected to the human appendage 114 (e.g., from alocation remote from the human appendage 114), an alert indicating thehuman appendage 114, or the like. For example, the alert can include,but is not limited to, an alert originating from a device on the humanappendage 114, an alert indicating or identifying the human appendage114 (e.g., displaying the alert on a screen that provides at least anindication of the human appendage 114, such as by accentuating an area,region, object, etc. on a map), a visual or audible alert projected froma device onto the human appendage 114 (e.g., directing light or sound atthe human appendage 114), or the like. In embodiments, the alert isassociated with the environmental object 300. An alert associated withthe environmental object 300 can include, but is not limited to, one ormore of an alert displayed on the environmental object 300, an alertprojected to the environmental object 300 (e.g., from a location remotefrom the environmental object 300), an alert indicating theenvironmental object 300, or the like. For example, the alert caninclude, but is not limited to, an alert originating from a device onthe environmental object 300, an alert indicating or identifying theenvironmental object 300 (e.g., displaying the alert on a screen thatprovides at least an indication of the environmental object 300, such asby accentuating an area, region, object, etc. on a map), a visual oraudible alert projected from a device onto environmental object 300(e.g., directing light or sound at the environmental object 300), or thelike.

In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, a system 1000 is configured tomonitor an environment through which an individual can move, where thesystem can identify environmental objects in proximity to an appendageof the individual to aid in preventing damage to the individual and/orthe environmental object associated with physical impact between theenvironmental object and the appendage. The system 1000 includes aplurality of tags 1002, a remote reader 1004, a processor 1008, and anoutput reporter 1010. As shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of tags 1002includes at least one tag 1002 that is configured to be coupled to asubstrate 1006, where the substrate 1006 is conformable to the humanappendage 114. The plurality of tags 1002 also includes at least oneother tag 1002 configured to be coupled to an environmental object 300.For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of tags 1002 can includea first tag 1002 a configured to be coupled to a first environmentalobject 300 a and a second tag 1002 b configured to be coupled to asecond environmental object 300 b. While two tags 1002 and twoenvironmental objects 300 are shown, the system 1000 is not limited totwo tags 1002 and two environmental objects 300, and can, for example,include three or more tags 1002 and three or more environmental objects300. In embodiments, the tags of the plurality of tags 1002 cancorrespond to the tags 102 described herein, including but not limitedto the structural and functional characteristics thereof. Inembodiments, the remote reader 1004 can correspond to the reader 104described herein, including but not limited to the structural andfunctional characteristics thereof. For example, the tags of theplurality of tags 1002 can include, but are not limited to a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag, where the remote reader 1004 caninclude, but is not limited to an RFID reader. The tags of the pluralityof tags 1002 can also include, but are not limited to a magneticmaterial (e.g., a diamagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, aferromagnetic material, etc.), where the remote reader 1004 can include,but is not limited to a magnetic detector (e.g., a magnetic fielddetector, a magnetometer, etc.). The tags of the plurality of tags 1002can also include, but are not limited to a metallic material, where theremote reader 1004 can include, but is not limited to a magneticmaterial configured to at least one of identify or detect the metallicmaterial. The tags of the plurality of tags 1002 can also include, butare not limited to an optical label (e.g., a bar code, a matrix barcode(e.g. QR code), etc.), where the remote reader 1004 can include, but isnot limited to an optical reader (e.g., a camera, an imaging device,etc.).

In embodiments, the remote reader 1004 is configured to distinctlyidentify each tag of the plurality of tags 1002. For example, the remotereader 1004 can distinctly identify the tag 1002 coupled to thesubstrate 1006, can distinctly identify the tag 1002 a coupled to theenvironmental object 300 a, can distinctly identify the tag 1002 bcoupled to the environmental object 300 b, or so forth. The distinctidentification of the tags 1002 by the remote reader 1004 can depend onone or more of the structural composition of the tags 1002, a locationof the tags 1002, a unique identifier associated with each tag of theplurality of tags 1002, or so forth. For example, the structuralcomposition of each tag of the plurality of tags 1002 can differ fromother tags of the plurality of tags 1002 such that the remote reader1004 can differentiate each tag from the other tags. In embodiments, theremote reader 1004 is configured to sense respective tags of theplurality of tags 1002. The sensing can include, but is not limited to,recognizing the presence of the respective tags of the plurality of tags1002. For example, the sensing of respective tags can include, but isnot limited to sensing the tag 1002 coupled to the substrate 1006,sensing the tag 1002 a coupled to the environmental object 300 a,sensing the tag 1002 b coupled to the environmental object 300 b, or soforth.

The processor 1008 is operably coupled to the remote reader 1004 and isconfigured to receive one or more output signals from the remote reader1004. The processor 1008 and the remote reader 1004 can communicate viawired or wireless communication protocols such that the processor 1008receives the one or more output signals from the remote reader 1004. Forexample, the processor 1008 can be positioned remotely from the remotereader 1004, positioned adjacent to the remote reader 1004, coupled tothe remote reader 1004 and the substrate 1006, or the like. In general,the one or more output signals from the remote reader 1004 correspond toinformation associated with one or more of the plurality of tags 1002,including but not limited to the association of one or more of theplurality of tags 1002 relative to another tag of the plurality of tags1002. For example, the one or more output signals from the remote reader1004 can correspond to a threshold associated with the at least one tag1002 coupled to the substrate 1006 and at least one other tag 1002coupled to an environmental object 300. In embodiments, the thresholdassociated with the at least one tag 1002 coupled to the substrate 1006and at least one other tag 1002 coupled to an environmental object 300is a distance threshold between the at least one tag 1002 coupled to thesubstrate 1006 and at least one other tag 1002 coupled to theenvironmental object 300, where the processor 1008 can process the oneor more output signals to make a determination regarding when therespective tags 1002 are at a distance that is less than the distancethreshold. The distance threshold can correspond to a value indicativeof an impending impact, or a near miss, such that when a distancebetween the respective tags 1002 is less than the threshold distance,the respective tags 1002 can be at risk for impact with each other. Forexample, in embodiments, the distance threshold is between aboutone-eighth inch and about ten feet, although other distance thresholdscan be utilized which can depend on the configuration of the environmentand the environmental object(s) 300. In embodiments, the thresholdassociated with the at least one tag 1002 coupled to the substrate 1006and at least one other tag 1002 coupled to an environmental object 300is a frequency threshold between the respective tags 1002. The frequencythreshold can correspond to a frequency of occurrences associated withthe respective tags 1002, such as a frequency of occurrence of impactbetween the respective tags 1002, a frequency of occurrence of nearimpact (e.g., a distance less than the threshold distance) between therespective tags 1002, a frequency of occurrence of interaction betweenthe respective tags 1002, a frequency of occurrence of identification bythe remote reader 1004 of one or more of the plurality of tags 1002, afrequency of occurrence of detection by the remote reader 1004 of one ormore of the plurality of tags 1002, or the like. The processor 1008 canprocess the one or more output signals associated with the frequencythreshold to make a determination pertaining to a frequency ofoccurrences between the at least one tag 1002 coupled to the substrate1006 and at least one other tag 1002 coupled to an environmental object300.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 can correspond to the processor 108described herein, including but not limited to the structural andfunctional characteristics thereof. The processor 1008 includescomponents to process the one or more output signals from the remotereader 1004 and to provide instruction to the output reporter 1010 togenerate one or more communication signals associated with one or moreof data associated with the one or more output signals or determinationsmade by the processor 1008. For example, the processor 1008 can includea microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate entry (FPGA), or the like, or any combinationsthereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit elements orelectronics, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the computingdevice includes one or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logiccomponents. In one embodiment, the computing device includes one or moreFPGAs having a plurality of programmable logic commands.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine that animpact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe remote reader 1004. For example, an interaction or impact between atleast one tag 1002 coupled to the substrate 1006 and at least one othertag 1002 coupled to the environmental object 300 can be used as a proxyfor determining an impact has occurred between the human appendage 114and the environmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 1008 isconfigured to determine a location of impact between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300. For example, the distinct identityof a tag of the plurality of tags 1002 can be associated with a locationof the tag 1002 in the environment. In embodiments, the characteristicsof the tags of the plurality of tags 1002 are stored in a memory device(e.g., memory device 1300). By identifying which tag of the plurality oftags 1002 has been impacted, the processor 1008 can determine thelocation of the impact based on the correlation between the distinctidentity and the location of the tags 1002. In embodiments, the distinctidentity of the tags of the plurality of tags 1002 is associated with aunique identifier that is independent of a location of the respectivetags. For example, the unique identifier can include informationassociated with, but not limited to, a previously impacted tag/object, aparticular human appendage (e.g., differentiating between body portions,such as left foot from right foot, etc.), a particular individual (e.g.,differentiating between different persons or users), a particularfeature or characteristic(s) of an environmental object (e.g., acharacterization of a soft environmental object differentiated from acharacterization of a hard environmental object, etc.), a prioritizationof environmental objects 300 (e.g., disregarding output signalsassociated with impact or near impact with one environmental object,while prioritizing output signals associated with impact or near impactwith a prioritized environmental object), or so forth.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine a time ofthe impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 based on the one or more output signals from the remote reader 1004.For example, as provided in FIG. 12, the system 1000 can include atiming device 1200 communicatively coupled with the processor 1008 andconfigured to provide a time at which the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 impact each other. In embodiments, the timingdevice 1200 can correspond to the timing device 400 described herein,including but not limited to the structural and functionalcharacteristics thereof. The timing device 1200 can include, but is notlimited to a mechanical timing device, an electromechanical timingdevice, an electrical timing device, a programmable logic controller, ahardware timing device, or the like. In embodiments, the processor 1008is configured to determine a frequency of impacts between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 based on the one or moreoutput signals from the remote reader 1004. The processor 1008 candetermine the frequency of impacts for an operation period of the system1000, for a specified period of time, for an average time span, or thelike. In embodiments, the processor 1008 can determine the time since aprevious impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 based on the one or more output signals from the remotereader 1004.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance based on the one or more outputsignals from the remote reader 1004. Such determination can provide anindication that the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300are within sufficient proximity to pose a threat for impact with oneanother, or missed impacting each other by a margin that is less thanthe threshold distance (e.g., a near impact). For example, an impactbetween at least one tag 1002 coupled to the substrate 1006 and at leastone other tag 1002 coupled to the environmental object 300 (e.g., assensed by the remote reader 1004) can be used as a proxy for determiningthat the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 are at adistance from each other that is less than the threshold distance. Thethreshold distance can be a predetermined value that corresponds to asafety consideration to prevent or mitigate impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300. In embodiments, theprocessor 1008 is configured to determine a time corresponding to whenthe distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 became less than the threshold distance based on the one ormore output signals from the remote reader 1004. The timing device 1200can be configured to provide a time at which the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 came within the threshold distance withrespect to each other. For example, when the processor 1008 determinesthat the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 are withinthe threshold distance with respect to each other, the processor 1008can refer to the timing device 1200 to receive the current time from thetiming device 1200. In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured todetermine a frequency of instances when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 became less than thethreshold distance based on the one or more output signals from theremote reader 1004. The processor 1008 can determine the frequency ofsuch instances for an operation period of the system 1000, for aspecified period of time, for an average time span, or the like. Inembodiments, the processor 1008 can determine the time since a previousinstance of when the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 came within the threshold distance with respect to each other basedon the one or more output signals from the remote reader 1004.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 13), the system 1000 includes amemory device 1300 configured to store data associated with operation ofthe system 1000, such as data associated with at least one tag 1002coupled to the substrate 1006 and at least one other tag 1002 coupled tothe environmental object 300. In embodiments, the memory device 1200 cancorrespond to the memory device 500 described herein, including but notlimited to the structural and functional characteristics thereof. Thememory device 1300 can include, but is not limited to, a computer memorydevice, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium whichcan be used to store the desired information maintained by the system1000 and which can be accessed by the processor 1008, the outputreporter 1010, or other associated accessing device. In embodiments, thememory device 1300 can store data associated with an impact or nearimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300.The data associated with an impact between the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 can include, but is not limited to, a timeof the impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300, or a frequency of occurrences of impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300. In embodiments, thememory device 1300 can store data associated with when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is lessthan the threshold distance. The data associated with when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is lessthan the threshold distance can include, but is not limited to, dataassociated with when the distance between the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, or afrequency of instances of when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 14), the system 1000 includes animpact sensor 1400 configured to provide one or more output signalscorresponding to a detected impact or near impact associated with atleast one tag 1002 coupled to the substrate 1006 and at least one othertag 1002 coupled to the environmental object 300. The impact sensor 1400can include, but is not limited to, one or more of a proximity sensor, apressure sensor, or an accelerometer. For example, the impact sensor 600can include multiple (i.e., more than one) sensors of the proximitysensor, the pressure sensor, and the accelerometer, such as both of aproximity sensor and a pressure sensor, each of a proximity sensor, apressure sensor, and an accelerometer, or so forth. The proximity sensorcan include one or more of an optical proximity sensor, an acousticproximity sensor, or an electromagnetic proximity sensor. The opticalproximity sensor, the acoustic proximity sensor, and the electromagneticproximity sensor can be configured to emit signals and detect reflectedsignals in accordance with their specific detection protocols. Anoptical proximity sensor can detect one or more optical signals (e.g.,one or more optical electromagnetic signals) and generate one or moresense signals in response thereto. For example, an optical proximitysensor of the impact sensor 1700 can be configured to detect and/oridentify an environmental object 300 and/or a human appendage 114, andtheir proximity relative to components of the system 1000 based ondetected optical signals. The optical sensor can include, but is notlimited to, a photodetector (e.g., to detect one or more electromagneticsignals reflected from a surface of an object), an imaging device (e.g.,a camera to generate a visual image of one or more objects in proximityto components of the system 1000), or the like. For example, an opticalproximity sensor of the impact sensor 1400 can be configured to emit alight signal and detect a reflected light signal, for example areflected light signal that is reflected by an environmental object 300and/or a human appendage 114. The acoustic proximity sensor can detectand/or identify objects and their proximity relative to components ofthe system 1000 based on detected acoustic signals. For example, anacoustic proximity sensor of the impact sensor 1700 can be configured todetect and/or identify an environmental object 300 and/or a humanappendage 114, and their proximity relative to components of the system1000 based on detected acoustic signals. For example, an acousticproximity sensor of the impact sensor 1400 can be configured to emit anacoustic signal and detect a reflected signal, for example a reflectedacoustic signal that is reflected by an environmental object 300 and/ora human appendage 114. The acoustic proximity sensor can include, but isnot limited to, sensors configured to detect ultrasonic signals,radio-frequency signals, or the like. An electromagnetic proximitysensor can detect and/or identify objects and their proximity relativeto components of the system 1000 based on detected electromagneticsignals. For example, an electromagnetic proximity sensor of the impactsensor 1700 can be configured to detect and/or identify an environmentalobject 300 and/or a human appendage 114, and their proximity relative tocomponents of the system 1000 based on detected electromagnetic signals.For example, an electromagnetic proximity sensor of the impact sensor1400 can be configured to emit an electromagnetic signal and detect areflected electromagnetic signal, for example a reflectedelectromagnetic signal that is reflected by an environmental object 300and/or a human appendage 114. The electromagnetic proximity sensor caninclude, for example, a bolometer or a thermal imaging device (e.g., tomeasure incident electromagnetic radiation of objects in proximity tocomponents of the system 1000). In embodiments, the impact sensor 1400includes a pressure sensor configured to sense a direct impact, such asan impact between the environmental object and the human appendage 114.

The processor 1008 can be communicatively coupled with the impact sensor1400 to receive the one or more output signals from the impact sensor1400. In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine thatan impact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based at least in part on the one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor 1400. For example, the impactsensor 1400 can be positioned on or in close proximity to one or more ofthe human appendage 114 or the environmental object 300, such as byassociating the impact sensor 1400 with one or more of the plurality oftags 1002 or the remote reader 1004. In embodiments, the processor 1008is configured to determine a time of the impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 based on the one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor 1400. For example, the timingdevice 1200 (e.g., shown in FIG. 12) can be communicatively coupled withthe processor 1008, where the processor 1008 can access a time from thetiming device 1200 when the one or more output signals from the impactsensor 1400 provide an indication that an impact has occurred betweenthe human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300. Inembodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine a location ofthe impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 based at least in part on the one or more output signals from theimpact sensor 1400. For example, a distinct identity of a tag of theplurality of tags 1002 can be associated with a location of the tag 1002in the environment. In embodiments, the characteristics of the tags ofthe plurality of tags 1002 are stored in a memory device (e.g., memorydevice 1300). By identifying which tag of the plurality of tags 1002 hasbeen impacted, the processor 1008 can determine the location of theimpact based on the correlation between the distinct identity and thelocation of the tags 1002. In embodiments, the processor 1008 isconfigured to determine a frequency of impacts between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 based on the one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor 1400. The processor 1008 candetermine the frequency of impacts for an operation period of the system1000, for a specified period of time, for an average time span, or thelike. In embodiments, the processor 1008 can determine the time since aprevious impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 based on the one or more output signals from the impactsensor 1400.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance based at least in part on theone or more output signals from the impact sensor 1400. The thresholddistance can be a predetermined value that corresponds to a safetyconsideration to prevent or mitigate impact between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 1008is configured to determine a time corresponding to when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 becameless than the threshold distance based on the one or more output signalsfrom the impact sensor 1400. For example, the timing device 1200 can beconfigured to provide a time at which the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 came within the threshold distance with respectto each other. In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured todetermine a frequency of instances when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 became less than thethreshold distance based on the one or more output signals from theimpact sensor 1400. The processor 1008 can determine the frequency ofsuch instances for an operation period of the system 1000, for aspecified period of time, for an average time span, or the like. Inembodiments, the processor 1008 can determine the time since a previousinstance of when the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 came within the threshold distance with respect to each other basedon the one or more output signals from the impact sensor 1400.

In embodiments, the memory device 1300 can store data associated with animpact or near impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, where a determination of the impact is basedat least in part on the one or more output signals from the impactsensor 1400. The data associated with an impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 can include, but is notlimited to, a time of the impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, a location of impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300, or a frequency ofoccurrences of impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300. In embodiments, the memory device 1300 canstore data associated with when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance, where a determination that the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance is based at least in part on the impact sensor 1400.The data associated with when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the threshold distancecan include, but is not limited to, data associated with when thedistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance, a location corresponding towhen the distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance, or a frequency ofinstances of when the distance between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine that animpact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe remote reader 1004 and the one or more output signals from theimpact sensor 1400. For example, the remote reader 1004 can provide dataassociated with the proximity of one tag of the plurality of tags 1002relative to another tag of the plurality of tags 1002, which can providean indication of when the human appendage 114 is close to or impactedwith the environmental object 300. The impact sensor 1400 can bepositioned on or in close proximity to one or more of the humanappendage 114 or the environmental object 300, such as by associatingthe impact sensor 1400 with one or more of the plurality of tags 1002 orthe remote reader 1004, and can provide data associated with impact tothe human appendage 114 or the environmental object 300 depending onwhere the impact sensor 1400 is located. For example, the impact sensor1200 can be associated with a tag of the plurality of tags 1002 locatedon the environmental object 300 and can register an impact to theenvironmental object 300. The remote reader 1004 can providesupplementary data to determine that the human appendage 114 caused theimpact, such as by identifying a proximity of another tag (e.g., a tagcoupled to the substrate 1006 located on the human appendage) relativeto the impacted tag, where the remote reader 1004 can uniquely identifyeach tag of the plurality of tags 1002. In embodiments, the processor1008 is configured to determine a time of the impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 based on the one or moreoutput signals from the remote reader 1004 and the one or more outputsignals from the impact sensor 1400. For example, the timing device 1300(e.g., shown in FIG. 13) can be communicatively coupled with theprocessor 1008, where the processor 1008 can access a time from thetiming device 1300 when the one or more output signals from the impactsensor 1400 provide an indication that an impact has occurred betweenthe human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300. Inembodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine a location ofthe impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 based on the one or more output signals from the remote reader 1004and the one or more output signals from the impact sensor 1400. Forexample, a distinct identity of a tag of the plurality of tags 1002 canbe associated with a location of the tag 1002 in the environment. Inembodiments, the characteristics of the tags of the plurality of tags1002 are stored in a memory device (e.g., memory device 1300). Byidentifying which tag of the plurality of tags 1002 has been impacted,the processor 1008 can determine the location of the impact based on thecorrelation between the distinct identity and the location of the tags1002. In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine afrequency of impacts between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe remote reader 1004 and the one or more output signals from theimpact sensor 1400. The processor 1008 can determine the frequency ofimpacts for an operation period of the system 1000, for a specifiedperiod of time, for an average time span, or the like. In embodiments,the processor 1008 can determine the time since a previous impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 basedon the one or more output signals from the remote reader 1004 and theone or more output signals from the impact sensor 1400.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance based on the one or more outputsignals from the remote reader 1004 and the one or more output signalsfrom the impact sensor 1400. The threshold distance can be apredetermined value that corresponds to a safety consideration toprevent or mitigate impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 1008 isconfigured to determine a time corresponding to when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 becameless than the threshold distance based on the one or more output signalsfrom the remote reader 1004 and the one or more output signals from theimpact sensor 1400. For example, the timing device 1200 can beconfigured to provide a time at which the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 came within the threshold distance with respectto each other. In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured todetermine a location of when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 became less than the thresholddistance based on the one or more output signals from the remote reader1004 and the one or more output signals from the impact sensor 1400. Forexample, a distinct identity of a tag of the plurality of tags 1002 canbe associated with a location of the tag 1002 in the environment. Inembodiments, the characteristics of the tags of the plurality of tags1002 are stored in a memory device (e.g., memory device 1300). Byidentifying which tag(s) of the plurality of tags 1002 came within athreshold distance of each other, the processor 1008 can determine thelocation of when the distance between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 became less than the threshold distance basedon the correlation between the distinct identity and the location of thetags 1002. In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determinea frequency of instances when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 became less than the thresholddistance based on the one or more output signals from the remote reader1004 and the one or more output signals from the impact sensor 1400. Theprocessor 1008 can determine the frequency of such instances for anoperation period of the system 1000, for a specified period of time, foran average time span, or the like. In embodiments, the processor 1008can determine the time since a previous instance of when the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 came within the thresholddistance with respect to each other based on the one or more outputsignals from the remote reader 1004 and the one or more output signalsfrom the impact sensor 1400.

In embodiments, the memory device 1300 can store data associated with animpact or near impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, where a determination of the impact is basedon the one or more output signals from the remote reader 1004 and theone or more output signals from the impact sensor 1400. The dataassociated with an impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 can include, but is not limited to, a time ofthe impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300, a location of impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, or a frequency of occurrences of impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300. Inembodiments, the memory device 1300 can store data associated with whenthe distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance, where a determinationthat the distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance is based on the one ormore output signals from the remote reader 1004 and the one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor 1400. The data associated withwhen the distance between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 is less than the threshold distance can include, but is notlimited to, data associated with when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance, a location of when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance, or a frequency of instances of when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is lessthan the threshold distance.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 15), the system 1000 includes alocation sensor 1500 configured to generate one or more output signalsassociated with a location (e.g., geographical location, absolutelocation, relative location, etc.) of at least one of the humanappendage 114 or the environmental object 300. In embodiments, thelocation sensor 1500 is configured to determine a location of one ormore of the plurality of tags 1002 or the remote reader 1004, which inembodiments can provide an analog for a location of one or more of thehuman appendage 114 or the environmental object 300. The location sensor1500 can include, but is not limited to, one or more of a positioningsensor (e.g., a satellite and/or terrestrial-based positioning system,such as a global positioning system, indoor positioning system, acellular network system, a land mobile radio based system, etc.), anoptic sensor (e.g., an imaging device for location recognition), a laser(e.g., laser or laser diode positioning sensors), an acoustic sensor(e.g., acoustic source localization device), or a radar-based sensor(e.g., a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radardetector/sensor). In embodiments, the location sensor 1500 is configuredfor positioning on the human appendage 114. For example, the locationsensor 1500 can be coupled to the substrate 1006. In embodiments, thelocation sensor 1500 is positioned remote from at least one of the humanappendage 114 or the environmental object 300. For example, the locationsensor 1500 can be configured to remotely determine the location of atleast one of the human appendage 114 or the environmental object 300. Inembodiments, the location sensor 1500 is coupled to the remote reader1004. For example, the remote reader 1004 can include a location sensor1500 configured to identify a location of the remote reader 1004, whichcan correspond to a location of one or more of the human appendage 114or the environmental object 300 depending on whether the remote reader1004 is coupled to the substrate 1006, to an environmental object 300,or located remotely elsewhere (e.g., another location within theenvironment), or which can aid in determining a location of one of moretags of the plurality of tags 1002 (e.g., based on the relativepositional differences between the tags 1002 and the remote reader1004).

In embodiments, the location sensor 1500 includes an accelerometer,which can serve an as initiator for when the location sensor 1500 isoperable. For example, the location sensor 1500 can measure one or moreof a distance or a direction from an initiation point based onactivation of the accelerometer. Such activation can be due to movementof the human appendage 114 (such as when the a tag of the plurality oftags 1002 and the location sensor 1500 are positioned on the substrate1006 on the human appendage 114), due to impact to the environmentalobject 300 (such as when a tag of the plurality of tags 1002 and thelocation sensor 1500 are positioned on either of the human appendage 114or the environmental object 300), or the like. The initiation point cancorrespond to one or more of a user reference point (e.g., a position ofa user on which the substrate 1006 is coupled), an updatable referencepoint (e.g., a reference point of the environmental object 300), or thelike.

In embodiments, the location sensor 1500 is configured to interact witha network of location beacons to measure the location of at least one ofthe remote reader 1004 or one or more tags of the plurality of tags1002. For example, the network of location beacons can include, but isnot limited to, beacons configured to periodically or continuouslytransmit data associated with a location of the respective beacon,beacons configured to periodically or continuously transmit dataassociated with an operation status of the respective beacon, or thelike. The beacons can include devices operating under a commoncommunications standard, including but not limited to, Bluetoothcommunication protocols, RFID communication protocols, or the like.

The processor 1008 can be communicatively coupled with the locationsensor 1500 to receive the one or more output signals from the locationsensor 1500. In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured todetermine that an impact has occurred between the human appendage 114and the environmental object 300 based at least in part on the one ormore output signals from the location sensor 1500. For example, thelocation sensor 1500 can track the location of one or more of the humanappendage 114 or the environmental object 300, whereby the processor1008 can determine that the location of the human appendage 114 or theenvironmental object 300 overlaps with or substantially matches alocation of the other of the human appendage 114 or the environmentalobject 300. In embodiments, the memory device 1300 stores locationinformation associated with one or more environmental objects 300, wherethe location sensor 1500 tracks the location of the human appendage 114.The processor 1008 can compare the tracked location of the humanappendage 114 to the stored location information associated with one ormore environmental objects 300 to determine whether the human appendage114 impacted with or more of the environmental objects 300. Inembodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine a time of theimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300based at least on the one or more output signals from the locationsensor 1500. For example, the timing device 1200 (e.g., shown in FIG.12) can be communicatively coupled with the processor 1008, where theprocessor 1008 can access a time from the timing device 1200 when theone or more output signals from the location sensor 1500 provide anindication that an impact has occurred between the human appendage 114and the environmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 1008 isconfigured to determine a frequency of impacts between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 based on the one or moreoutput signals from the location sensor 1500. The processor 1008 candetermine the frequency of impacts for an operation period of the system1000, for a specified period of time, for an average time span, or thelike. In embodiments, the processor 1008 can determine the time since aprevious impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300 based on the one or more output signals from the locationsensor 1500.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance based at least in part on theone or more output signals from the location sensor 1500. The thresholddistance can be a predetermined value that corresponds to a safetyconsideration to prevent or mitigate impact between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300. For example, the location sensor1500 can track the location of one or more of the human appendage 114 orthe environmental object 300, whereby the processor 1008 can determine adistance between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300, in order to determine that the distance is less than apredetermined threshold distance. In embodiments, the processor 1008 isconfigured to determine a time corresponding to when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 becameless than the threshold distance based on the one or more output signalsfrom the location sensor 1500. For example, the timing device 1200 canbe configured to provide a time at which the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 came within the threshold distance with respectto each other. In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured todetermine a frequency of instances when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 became less than thethreshold distance based on the one or more output signals from thelocation sensor 1500. The processor 1008 can determine the frequency ofsuch instances for an operation period of the system 1000, for aspecified period of time, for an average time span, or the like. Inembodiments, the processor 1008 can determine the time since a previousinstance of when the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 came within the threshold distance with respect to each other basedon the one or more output signals from the location sensor 1500.

In embodiments, the memory device 1300 can store data associated with animpact or near impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, where a determination of the impact is basedat least in part on the one or more output signals from the locationsensor 1500. The data associated with an impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 can include, but is notlimited to, a time of the impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300, a location of impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300, or a frequency ofoccurrences of impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300. In embodiments, the memory device 1300 canstore data associated with when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance, where a determination that the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance is based at least in part on the location sensor1500. The data associated with when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance can include, but is not limited to, data associatedwith when the distance between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, a locationof when the distance between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, or afrequency of instances of when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 16), the system 1000 can include arecorder 1600 operably coupled to the processor 1008. In general, therecorder 1600 is configured to record, store, or the like, data, outputsignals, and communication signals generated by one or more componentsof the system 1000. For example, the recorder 1600 can be configured torecord the one or more output signals from the remote reader 1004 in amemory device, such as the memory device 1300. In embodiments, therecorder 1600 is configured to store in the memory device 1300 dataassociated with an impact between the human appendage 114 and theenvironmental object 300. Such data can include, but is not limited to,a time of impact, a location of impact, or a frequency of impact. Inembodiments, the recorder 1600 is configured to store in the memorydevice 1300 data associated with when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance. Such data can include, but is not limited to, a timecorresponding to when the distance between the human appendage 114 andthe environmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, alocation corresponding to when the distance between the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 is less than the thresholddistance, or a frequency of instances of when the distance between thehuman appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is less than thethreshold distance.

In embodiments, the processor 1008 can be configured to makedeterminations regarding one or more physical aspects associated with atleast one of the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300.For example, the processor 1008 can be configured to determine a forceof an impact between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300. The processor 1008 can access data from one or more sensorsof the system 1000 to make such determinations. For example, theprocessor 1008 can access data from a force sensor, from a pressuresensor, from an accelerometer, or the like. In embodiments, theprocessor 1008 is configured to determine what a force of a potentialimpact would be, should such potential impact actually occur. Forexample, the processor 1008 can determine, based on at least a currentor previous velocity, speed, or the like of the human appendage 114,what force the human appendage 114 would impact the environmental object300 should the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300actually collide. In embodiments, the processor 1008 can extrapolateand/or interpolate one or more of positional data, speed data, velocitydata, or acceleration data to estimate or predict the force at which thehuman appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 would collide.

The output reporter 1010 is configured to generate one or morecommunication signals to report information associated with operation ofthe system 1000. In embodiments, the output reporter 1010 is configuredto generate one or more communication signals responsive to instructionby the processor 1008. In embodiments, the output reporter 1010 cancorrespond to the output reporter 110 described herein, including butnot limited to the structural and functional characteristics thereof.For example, the information from the output reporter 1010 may beprovided one or more of visually (e.g., via transmission or display ofvisual information), audibly (e.g., via transmission or display ofauditory information), tactually (e.g., via presentation of tactileinformation), or as data (e.g., via transmission or display of one ormore data signals associated with the information to convey). The outputreporter 1010 can function in combination with the processor 1008 toprovide visual, auditory, or tactile information associated with thehuman appendage 114 and/or the environmental object 300, such as theproximity of the human appendage 114 with respect to the environmentalobject 300, impact information, threshold information, or the like.

In embodiments, the output reporter 1010 generates (e.g., via thedisplay device 900) a graphical representation of data associated withoperation of the system 1000. The graphical representation can include amap-based display of the information, which can provide the data withrespect to absolute or relative locations. The map can correspond to aregion proximate one or more environmental objects 300 and can displayinformation associated with interaction between the human appendage 114and the one or more environmental objects 300. For example, the map canindicate frequency of impact (or near impact) between the humanappendage 114 and various environmental objects 300 where the data iscolor-coded to differentiate between differing frequencies. Otherpresentations of data are possible, including but not limited to,topographical plots, bar plots, pie plots, or the like. As anotherexample, the map can indicate time of impact (or near impact) betweenthe human appendage 114 and various environmental objects 300 where thedata is coded to differentiate between differing times of impact (ornear impact).

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to generate arecommendation based on one or more output signals from one or more ofthe remote reader 1004, the impact sensor 1400, or the location sensor1500. The recommendation can include, but is not limited to, arecommendation pertaining to the environmental object 300, where suchrecommendation can reduce at least one of a likelihood of impact withthe environmental object 300 or a degree of severity of impact with theenvironmental object 300. For example, in embodiments, therecommendation includes a recommendation to reposition the environmentalobject 300 to a new location within the environment. The new locationwithin the environment can be a location that an individual is lesslikely to impact with the environmental object 300 as compared to theprevious location (i.e., the location prior to the recommendation toreposition the environmental object 300). For example, the processor1008 can access (e.g., from the memory device 1300) one or more modulesconfigured to analyze the positioning of the environmental object 300based on one or more output signals from one or more of the remotereader 1004, the impact sensor 1400, or the location sensor 1500. Wherethe processor 1008 determines that the current position of theenvironmental object 300 results in too many impacts (e.g., the numberof impacts between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object300 exceeds a threshold impact value), the processor 1008 can generatethe recommendation to reposition the environmental object 300 to a newlocation within the environment. The new location within the environmentcan include one or more of a different location within the environmentthan the previous position prior to the recommendation to reposition theenvironmental object 300, a location within a threshold distance fromthe previous position, a location outside of a threshold distance fromthe previous position, a location determined to have a probability offewer impacts between the human appendage 114 and the environmentalobject 300, or so forth. In embodiments, the processor 1008 conveys therecommendation to reposition the environmental object 300 via the outputreporter 1010. For example, the output reporter 1010 can generate one ormore of a visual indication of the recommendation (e.g., via the displaydevice 900), an audible indication of the recommendation (e.g., via theaudio device 902), a tactile indication of the recommendation (e.g., viathe tactile device 904), a physical indication of the recommendation(e.g., via the printing device 906), or a transmitted indication via oneor more data signals (e.g., via the transmitter 908).

In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured to generate a visiblerecommendation associated with a map corresponding to a region proximatethe environmental object 300. The processor 1008 can generate the mapvia the output reporter 1010 to provide the visible recommendation. Themap can include information including but not limited to, a recommendedlocation to reposition the environmental object 300, a listing of areasproximate the environmental object 300 within the environment to whichthe environmental object 300 can be repositioned, a region proximate theenvironmental object 300 within a threshold distance, a regioncorresponding to locations outside of a threshold distance from theenvironmental object 300, data associated with impact frequencyassociated with one or more environmental objects, or so forth. Forexample, in embodiments, the processor 1008 generates the map via theoutput reporter 1010, wherein the map provides a visual distinctionbetween varying intensities of impact between respective environmentalobjects (e.g., lower wavelength colors for areas corresponding to moreimpacts, higher wavelength colors for areas corresponding to fewerimpacts, etc.).

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 1008includes a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 with acushioning material. The cushioning material can reduce a degree ofseverity of impact with the environmental object 300 by absorbing ormitigating at least a portion of the force of impact between the humanappendage 114 and the environmental object 300. For example, cushioningmaterial can include, but is not limited to, fibrous materials (e.g.,synthetic fibers, fabric, felt, paper, cardboard, feather, etc.),polymeric materials (e.g., foam, memory foam, rubber, polystyrene,polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, etc.), entrapped gas material(e.g., air cushions, gas enclosed within plastic film, etc.), mechanicaldevices (e.g., shock absorber, spring-based device, pneumatic device,etc.), or the like. The processor 1008 can access (e.g., from the memorydevice 1300) one or more modules configured to analyze force of impactsbetween the environmental object 300 and another object (e.g., the humanappendage 114) based on one or more output signals from one or more ofthe remote reader 1004, the impact sensor 1400, or the location sensor1500. In embodiments, when the processor 1008 determines that one ormore impacts with the environmental object 300 results in a force ofimpact that exceeds a threshold force of impact value, the processor1008 can generate the recommendation to provide the environmental object300 with a cushioning material to reduce or mitigate the force ofsubsequent impacts with the environmental object 300. In embodiments,the processor 1008 conveys the recommendation to provide the cushioningmaterial to the environmental object 300 via the output reporter 1010.For example, the output reporter 1010 can generate one or more of avisual indication of the recommendation (e.g., via the display device900), an audible indication of the recommendation (e.g., via the audiodevice 902), a tactile indication of the recommendation (e.g., via thetactile device 904), a physical indication of the recommendation (e.g.,via the printing device 906), or a transmitted indication via one ormore data signals (e.g., via the transmitter 908).

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 1008includes a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 with avisible indicator. The visible indicator can reduce the likelihood ofimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300by providing a visual indication associated with the position of theenvironmental object 300 within the environment. For example, the visualindicator can include a visible light source that can be placed on/nearthe environmental object 300 to provide an individual with a visualindication associated with the position of the environmental object 300within the environment. The visible light source can illuminate at leasta portion of the environmental object 300, which can assist anindividual in viewing the environmental object 300, such as duringperiods of darkness within the environment (e.g., nighttime, powerfailure, etc.). In embodiments, the processor 1008 is configured toactivate the visual indicator based upon one or more output signals fromone or more of the remote reader 1004, the impact sensor 1400, or thelocation sensor 1500. For example, the output signals from one or moreof the remote reader 1004, the impact sensor 1400, or the locationsensor 1500 can provide an indication that the human appendage 114 iswithin a threshold distance from the environmental object 300, wherebythe processor 1008 activates the visual indicator to provide a warningto the individual regarding a potential impact with the environmentalobject 300.

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 1008includes a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 withan audible indicator. The audible indicator can reduce the likelihood ofimpact between the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300by providing an auditory indication associated with the position of theenvironmental object 300 within the environment. For example, theaudible indicator can include an alarm device or speaker device that canbe placed on/near the environmental object 300 to provide an individualwith an auditory indication associated with the position of theenvironmental object 300 within the environment. The audible indicatorcan alert an individual to the presence of the environmental object 300,which can assist an individual in avoiding contact or impact with theenvironmental object 300, such as during periods of darkness within theenvironment (e.g., nighttime, power failure, etc.), for individuals withvisual impairments, or the like. In embodiments, the processor 1008 isconfigured to activate the audible indicator based upon one or moreoutput signals from one or more of the remote reader 1004, the impactsensor 1400, or the location sensor 1500. For example, the outputsignals from one or more of the remote reader 1004, the impact sensor1400, or the location sensor 1500 can provide an indication that thehuman appendage 114 is within a threshold distance from theenvironmental object 300, whereby the processor 1008 activates theaudible indicator to provide a warning to the individual regarding apotential impact with the environmental object 300.

In embodiments, the output reporter 1010 is configured to generate analert responsive to instruction by the processor 1008 when a distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 is lessthan a threshold distance. The environmental object 300 can beidentified by the system 1000 as at least one of a risk for impact withthe human appendage 114 or a previously impacted object (e.g.,previously impact by the human appendage 114, another environmentalobject, etc.). For example, the processor 1008 can access (e.g., fromthe memory device 1300) one or more modules configured to analyze aposition of a particular environmental object 300 (or an analog for theenvironmental object, such as a tag of the plurality of tags 1002, theremote reader 1004, etc.) relative to the human appendage 114 (or ananalog for the human appendage 114, such as a tag of the plurality oftags 1002, the remote reader 1004, etc.) based at least in part on oneor more output signals from one or more of the remote reader 1004, theimpact sensor 1400, or the location sensor 1500 to determine a distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300. Theprocessor 1008 can then compare the determined distance between thehuman appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 to a thresholddistance to determine whether the determined distance is less than thethreshold distance. The threshold distance can be a stored value thatcan depend on spacing considerations (e.g., constraints of the size ofthe environment), can depend on particular environmental objects (e.g.,more dangerous environmental objects can have a larger attributedthreshold distance), or the like. Such comparison can occur on aperiodic basis, a continuous basis, or the like. Where the processor1008 determines that the distance between the environmental object 300and the human appendage 114 is less than the threshold distance, theprocessor 1008 can instruct the output reporter 1010 to generate analert. In embodiments, the alert can be one or more of an audible alert,a visual alert, or a tactile alert.

In embodiments, the alert is associated with the human appendage 114. Analert associated with the human appendage 114 can include, but is notlimited to, one or more of an alert displayed on the human appendage114, an alert projected to the human appendage 114 (e.g., from alocation remote from the human appendage 114), an alert indicating thehuman appendage 114, or the like. For example, the alert can include,but is not limited to, an alert originating from a device on the humanappendage 114, an alert indicating or identifying the human appendage114 (e.g., displaying the alert on a screen that provides at least anindication of the human appendage 114, such as by accentuating an area,region, object, etc. on a map), a visual or audible alert projected froma device onto the human appendage 114 (e.g., directing light or sound atthe human appendage 114), or the like. In embodiments, the alert isassociated with the environmental object 300. An alert associated withthe environmental object 300 can include, but is not limited to, one ormore of an alert displayed on the environmental object 300, an alertprojected to the environmental object 300 (e.g., from a location remotefrom the environmental object 300), an alert indicating theenvironmental object 300, or the like. For example, the alert caninclude, but is not limited to, an alert originating from a device onthe environmental object 300, an alert indicating or identifying theenvironmental object 300 (e.g., displaying the alert on a screen thatprovides at least an indication of the environmental object 300, such asby accentuating an area, region, object, etc. on a map), a visual oraudible alert projected from a device onto environmental object 300(e.g., directing light or sound at the environmental object 300), or thelike.

In embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, a system 1700 is configured tomonitor an environment through which an individual can move, where thesystem can identify environmental objects in proximity to an appendageof the individual and/or in proximity to other environmental objects toaid in preventing damage to the individual associated with physicalimpact between the environmental object and the appendage. The system1700 includes a plurality of sensors 1702, a remote device 1704, aprocessor 1708, and an output reporter 1710. In general, each sensor ofthe plurality of sensors 1702 is configured for positioning proximate arespective environmental object 300 of a plurality of environmentalobjects 300 for monitoring characteristics (e.g., physicalcharacteristics) associated with the respective environmental objects300. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the plurality of sensors 1702 caninclude a first sensor 1702 a configured to be coupled to a firstenvironmental object 300 a and a second sensor 1702 b configured to becoupled to a second environmental object 300 b. While two sensors 1702and two environmental objects 300 are shown, the system 1700 is notlimited to two sensors 1702 and two environmental objects 300, and can,for example, include three or more sensors 1702 and three or moreenvironmental objects 300. The sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702can include, but are not limited to, at least one proximity sensor, atleast one pressure sensor, at least one accelerometer, or so forth. Forexample, the proximity sensor can include one or more of an opticalproximity sensor, an acoustic proximity sensor, or an electromagneticproximity sensor. The optical proximity sensor, the acoustic proximitysensor, and the electromagnetic proximity sensor can be configured toemit signals and detect reflected signals in accordance with theirspecific detection protocols. An optical proximity sensor can detect oneor more optical signals (e.g., one or more optical electromagneticsignals) and generate one or more sense signals in response thereto. Forexample, an optical proximity sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702can be configured to detect and/or identify an environmental object 300and/or a human appendage 114, and their proximity relative to componentsof the system 1700 based on detected optical signals. The optical sensorcan include, but is not limited to, a photodetector (e.g., to detect oneor more electromagnetic signals reflected from a surface of an object),an imaging device (e.g., a camera to generate a visual image of one ormore objects in proximity to components of the system 1700), or thelike. For example, an optical proximity sensor of the plurality ofsensors 1702 can be configured to emit a light signal and detect areflected light signal, for example a reflected light signal that isreflected by an environmental object 300 and/or a human appendage 114.The acoustic proximity sensor can detect and/or identify objects andtheir proximity relative to components of the system 1700 based ondetected acoustic signals. For example, an acoustic proximity sensor ofthe plurality of sensors 1702 can be configured to detect and/oridentify an environmental object 300 and/or a human appendage 114, andtheir proximity relative to components of the system 1700 based ondetected acoustic signals. For example, an acoustic proximity sensor ofthe plurality of sensors 1702 can be configured to emit an acousticsignal and detect a reflected signal, for example a reflected acousticsignal that is reflected by an environmental object 300 and/or a humanappendage 114. The acoustic proximity sensor can include, but is notlimited to, sensors configured to detect ultrasonic signals,radio-frequency signals, or the like. An electromagnetic proximitysensor can detect and/or identify objects and their proximity relativeto components of the system 1700 based on detected electromagneticsignals. For example, an electromagnetic proximity sensor of theplurality of sensors 1702 can be configured to detect and/or identify anenvironmental object 300 and/or a human appendage 114, and theirproximity relative to components of the system 1700 based on detectedelectromagnetic signals. For example, an electromagnetic proximitysensor of the plurality of sensors 1702 can be configured to emit anelectromagnetic signal and detect a reflected electromagnetic signal,for example a reflected electromagnetic signal that is reflected by anenvironmental object 300 and/or a human appendage 114. Theelectromagnetic proximity sensor can include, for example, a bolometeror a thermal imaging device (e.g., to measure incident electromagneticradiation of objects in proximity to components of the system 100). Inembodiments, the sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 are configuredto generate one or more output signals corresponding to at least one ofa proximity of the human appendage 114 with the respective sensor of theplurality of sensors 1702 or an impact between the human appendage andthe respective environmental object 300.

The remote device 1704 is positioned remotely from, and communicativelycoupled to, the plurality of sensors 1702. In embodiments, the remotedevice 1704 is configured to distinctly identify each sensor of theplurality of sensors 1702 and to receive one or more output signals fromeach sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702. For example, the remotedevice 1704 can include one or more transmitters, receivers,transceivers, or the like configured to transmit data between the remotedevice 1704 and the plurality of sensors 1702. In embodiments, theremote device is configured to distinctly identify each of the pluralityof sensors 1702 based on a unique identifier attributable to each sensorof the plurality of sensors 1702. The unique identifier can includeinformation associated with one or more of the respective sensor or theenvironmental object on which the respective sensor is positioned. Forexample, the unique identifier can include information associated with,but not limited to, a previously-impacted object, a particular object(e.g., differentiating between different objects within the environment,such as the door jamb (labeled 1702 a) and the table (labeled 1702 b)shown in FIG. 17), a particular feature or characteristic(s) of anenvironmental object (e.g., a characterization of a soft environmentalobject differentiated from a characterization of a hard environmentalobject, etc.), a prioritization of environmental objects 300 (e.g.,disregarding output signals associated with impact or near impact withone environmental object, while prioritizing output signals associatedwith impact or near impact with a prioritized environmental object), orso forth. In embodiments, the remote device 1704 is configured todistinctly identify each of the plurality of sensors 1702 based on theunique identifier and a location of each of the plurality of sensors1702 stored in memory corresponding to the unique identifier. A memorydevice (e.g., memory device 500, memory device 1300, a different memorydevice, etc.) can have data stored thereon associating a location of asensor (which can correspond to a location of an environmental object300 on which the sensor is positioned) with a unique identifier of thesensor. For example, a memory device can have data stored thereonassociating a location of the sensor 1702 a on the door jamb with theunique identifier of the sensor 1702 a on the door jamb, and can havedata stored thereon associating a location of the sensor 1702 b on thetable with the unique identifier of the sensor 1702 b on the table. Suchassociation of location and unique identifiers can facilitatedetermination of where impacts or near misses occur, what environmentalobjects have been impacted or nearly impacted based on locationinformation, or so forth. In embodiments, the remote device 1704 isconfigured to distinctly identify each of the plurality of sensors 1702based on a location of each sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702. Inembodiments, the remote device 1704 is configured to distinctly identifyeach of the plurality of sensors 1702 based on the one or more outputsignals from each sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702. For example,the sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 can include identifyinginformation (e.g., a unique identifier) included in the one or moreoutput signals such that the remote device 1704 can distinctly identifyeach sensor based on the identifying information included in the one ormore output signals.

In embodiments, the sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 areconfigured to passively transmit the one or more output signals. Thepassive transmission of the one or more output signals can be receivedby the remote device 1704, such as on a continuous basis, a periodicbasis, or the like. For example, the sensors of the plurality of sensors1702 can transmit the one or more output signals according to a unitinterval (e.g., every millisecond, every second, every ten seconds,every thirty seconds, every minute, every hour, etc.). The remote device1704 can receive the one or more output signals based on the unitinterval, where if an output signal is not received from a particularsensor, the remote device 1704 can provide an indication regarding thefailure to receive such output signals. Such an indication can resultfrom a malfunction of a particular sensor, from an impact to theparticular sensor, a power status of the particular sensor, or the like.

In embodiments, the sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 areconfigured to actively transmit the one or more output signalsresponsive to a request from the remote device 1704. For example, theremote device 1704 can transmit a request signal to one or more sensorsof the plurality of sensors 1702 to generate and/or transmit the one ormore output signals. The request signal can be tailored to a particularsensor of the plurality of sensors 1702, such as by utilizing the uniqueidentifier associated with the particular sensor. Alternatively, therequest signal can be generally broadcast to the plurality of sensors1702 for generalized instruction for the plurality of sensors togenerate and/or transmit the one or more output signals. Thetransmission of the request signal can be facilitated by a transmitter,a transceiver, or the like coupled to or integrated with the remotedevice 1704. In embodiments, the sensors of the plurality of sensors1702 are configured to actively transmit the one or more output signalsonly upon detection of at least one of the proximity of the humanappendage 114 with the sensor is less than a threshold proximity or animpact between the human appendage 114 and the respective environmentalobject 300. For example, the remote device 1704 can transmit the requestsignal to one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702, wherethe sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 include control programmingoperable to generate and/or transmit the one or more output signals onlyupon detection of at least one of the proximity of the human appendage114 with the sensor is less than a threshold proximity or an impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object300. Thus, in these embodiments, only sensors registering an impact or anear impact would actively respond to the request from the remote device1704. In embodiments, only sensors registering an impact would activelyrespond to the request from the remote device 1704. In embodiments, onlysensors registering a near impact (e.g., upon detection of the proximityof the human appendage 114 with the sensor is less than the thresholdproximity) would actively respond to the request from the remote device1704.

In embodiments, the sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 areconfigured to transmit the one or more output signals only upondetection of at least one of the proximity of the human appendage 114with the sensor is less than a threshold proximity or an impact betweenthe human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object 300(e.g., the environmental object on which the respective sensor of theplurality of sensors 1702 is positioned). The remote device 1702 canpassively monitor for any output signals from sensors that transmit. Forexample, the sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 can monitor theenvironment proximate to the respective environmental object 300 onwhich respective sensors of the plurality of sensors are positioned.When an impact to the environmental object 300 is detected by arespective sensor, or when a human appendage 114 is detected by arespective sensor, where the human appendage 114 is located at adistance from the sensor that is less than the threshold distance, therespective sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702 can then transmit theone or more output signals (e.g., for receipt by the remote device1704). In embodiments, only sensors registering an impact would transmitthe one or more output signals. In embodiments, only sensors registeringa near impact (e.g., upon detection of the proximity of the humanappendage 114 with the sensor is less than the threshold proximity)would transmit the one or more output signals. In embodiments, theremote device 1704 is configured to distinctly identify a source sensorof the one or more output signals based upon a unique identifierattributable to each sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702. Forexample, the one or more output signals from the sensors of theplurality of sensors 1702 can include a unique identifier attributableto each sensor, where the remote device 1704 can identify the uniqueidentifier to identify the source sensor of the one or more outputsignals (e.g., upon transmission by the sensors when an impact or nearimpact is detected). In embodiments, the remote device 1704 isconfigured to distinctly identify each of the plurality of sensors 1702based on the unique identifier and a location of each of the pluralityof sensors 1702 stored in memory corresponding to the unique identifier.In embodiments, each sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702 isconfigured to transmit the one or more output signals on at least aninterval basis (e.g., a transmission unit interval), and wherein onlyimpacted sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 are configured totransmit the one or more output signals corresponding to an impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object300 upon impact.

The processor 1708 is operably coupled to the remote device 1704 and isconfigured to process the one or more output signals associated with theplurality of sensors 1702. Based on the processing of the one or moreoutput signals from a sensor, the processor 1708 is configured toprovide an indication of at least one of the proximity of the humanappendage with the sensor or when an impact between the human appendage114 and the respective environmental object 300 occurs based on athreshold value being exceeded. In embodiments, the processor 1708 isconfigured to process the one or more output signals to determine whichsensor of the plurality of sensors 1702 at least one of incurred animpact or incurred a proximity to the human appendage less than athreshold proximity. For example, the processor 1708 can determine whichsensor of the plurality of sensors 1702 at least one of incurred animpact or incurred a proximity to the human appendage less than athreshold proximity based on one or more of a unique identifierassociated with the sensor, a location of an origin of the one or moreoutput signals, or the like. In embodiments, the processor 1708generates one or more data signals associated with the indication forreporting via the output reporter 1710. The processor 1708 and theremote device 1704 can communicate via wired or wireless communicationprotocols such that the processor 1708 receives the one or more outputsignals from the remote device 1704. For example, the processor 1708 canbe positioned remotely from the remote device 1704, positioned adjacentto the remote device 1704, coupled to the remote device 1704, or thelike.

In embodiments, the processor 1708 can correspond to one or more of theprocessor 108 or the processor 1008 described herein, including but notlimited to the structural and functional characteristics thereof. Theprocessor 1708 includes components to process the one or more outputsignals from the remote device 1704 and to provide instruction to theoutput reporter 1710 to generate one or more communication signalsassociated with one or more of data associated with the one or moreoutput signals or determinations made by the processor 1708. Forexample, the processor 1708 can include a microprocessor, a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate entry (FPGA), or the like, or any combinations thereof, and caninclude discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, orcombinations thereof. In one embodiment, the computing device includesone or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. Inone embodiment, the computing device includes one or more FPGAs having aplurality of programmable logic commands.

In embodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to determine whether animpact has occurred between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals. Forexample, the sensor 1702 b associated with the table in FIG. 17 cangenerate one or more output signals when disrupted by the individual inthe room (e.g., impacted by a leg of the individual), where the remotedevice 1704 can distinctly identify the sensor 1702 b and transmit theone or more output signals for processing by the processor 1708. Inembodiments, the processor 1708 compares the data associated with theone or more output signals with reference data indicative of an impactto determine when an impact occurs between the sensor 1702 b and thehuman appendage 114. For example, the reference data indicative of animpact (or a comparison module having the reference data included) canbe stored in a memory device for retrieval by the processor 1708 forcomparison to the one or more output signals to determine when an impactoccurs.

In embodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to determine a time ofthe impact between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe plurality of sensors 1702. For example, as provided in FIG. 19, thesystem 1700 can include a timing device 1900 communicatively coupledwith the processor 1708 and configured to provide a time at which thehuman appendage 114 and the respective environmental object 300 impacteach other. In embodiments, the timing device 1900 can correspond to oneor more of the timing device 400 or the timing device 1200 describedherein, including but not limited to the structural and functionalcharacteristics thereof. For example, the timing device 1900 caninclude, but is not limited to a mechanical timing device, anelectromechanical timing device, an electrical timing device, aprogrammable logic controller, a hardware timing device, or the like. Inembodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to determine a location ofthe impact based on the one or more output signals and on a distinctidentity of at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702. Forexample, the distinct identity can provide provided a unique identifierrecognizable by the remote device 1704 and/or the processor 1708 andincluded in the one or more output signals. The location of the impactcan be determined, for example, by retrieving a location stored in amemory that is associated with the distinct identity of the sensor(e.g., a distinct identity of the sensor 1702 a is associated with alocation corresponding to the doorjamb, such as a geographical location,absolute location, relative location, descriptive location, etc.). Inembodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to determine a frequencyof impacts between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 based on the one or more output signals fromthe plurality of sensors 1702. The processor 1708 can determine thefrequency of impacts for an operation period of the system 1700, for aspecified period of time, for an average time span, or the like. Inembodiments, the processor 1708 can determine the time since a previousimpact between the human appendage 114 and the respective environmentalobject 300 based on the one or more output signals from the plurality ofsensors 1702.

In embodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to determine when adistance between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance based onthe one or more output signals from the plurality of sensors 1702. Suchdetermination can provide an indication that the human appendage 114 andthe respective environmental object 300 are within sufficient proximityto pose a threat for impact with one another, or missed impacting eachother by a margin that is less than the threshold distance (e.g., a nearimpact). For example, an interaction or impact with a sensor of theplurality of sensors 1702 that is coupled to the respectiveenvironmental object 300 can be used as a proxy for determining that ahuman appendage 114 and the respective environmental object 300 are at adistance from each other that is less than the threshold distance. Theinteraction between the sensor and the human appendage can include adistance measurement by the sensor to determine a distance from thesensor to the human appendage. The threshold distance can be apredetermined value that corresponds to a safety consideration toprevent or mitigate impact between the human appendage 114 and therespective environmental object 300. In embodiments, the processor 1708is configured to determine a time corresponding to when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object300 became less than the threshold distance based on the one or moreoutput signals from the plurality of sensors 1702. The timing device1900 can be configured to provide a time at which the human appendage114 and the environmental object 300 came within the threshold distancewith respect to each other. For example, when the processor 1708determines that the human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300are within the threshold distance with respect to each other, theprocessor 1708 can refer to the timing device 1900 to receive thecurrent time from the timing device 1900. In embodiments, the processor1708 is configured to determine a location corresponding to where thedistance between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 became less than the threshold distance basedon the one or more output signals. For example, the location cancorrespond to a location of a sensor that generates one or more outputsignals indicating a near impact with the human appendage 114. Inembodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to determine a locationcorresponding to where the distance between the human appendage 114 andthe respective environmental object 300 became less than the thresholddistance based on the one or more output and on a distinct identity ofat least one sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702. For example, thedistinct identity can provide provided a unique identifier recognizableby the remote device 1704 and/or the processor 1708 and included in theone or more output signals. The location of the sensor registering anear impact can be determined, for example, by retrieving a locationstored in a memory that is associated with the distinct identity of thesensor (e.g., a distinct identity of the sensor 1702 a is associatedwith a location corresponding to the doorjamb, such as a geographicallocation, absolute location, relative location, descriptive location,etc.). In embodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to determine afrequency of instances when the distance between the human appendage 114and the respective environmental object 300 became less than thethreshold distance based on the one or more output signals from theplurality of sensors 1702. The processor 1708 can determine thefrequency of such instances for an operation period of the system 1000,for a specified period of time, for an average time span, or the like.In embodiments, the processor 1708 can determine the time since aprevious instance of when the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 came within the threshold distance with respectto each other based on the one or more output signals from the pluralityof sensors 1702.

In embodiments, the sensors of the plurality of sensors 1702 arearranged as a sensor array, where each sensor of the plurality ofsensors 1702 is positioned in a unique location within the sensor array.The unique location of each sensor within the senor array can beidentified based on the one or more output signals from the plurality ofsensors 1702, such as when the one or more output signals include aunique identifier attributable to respective sensors of the plurality ofsensors 1702. In embodiments, the processor 1708 is configured todetermine a location of an impact between the human appendage 114 andthe respective environmental object 300 based at least in part on one ormore output signals from respective sensors within the sensor array.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 20), the system 1700 includes amemory device 2000 configured to store data associated with operation ofthe system 1700, such as data associated with interactions between thehuman appendage 114 and one or more environmental objects 300 (e.g.,where such interactions can be derived from the one or more outputsignals from the plurality of sensors 1702). In embodiments, the memorydevice 2000 can correspond to one or more of the memory device 500 orthe memory device 1200 described herein, including but not limited tothe structural and functional characteristics thereof. For example, thememory device 2000 can include, but is not limited to, a computer memorydevice, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium whichcan be used to store the desired information maintained by the system1700 and which can be accessed by the processor 1708, the outputreporter 1710, or other associated accessing device. In embodiments, thememory device 2000 can store data associated with an impact or nearimpact between the human appendage 114 and the respective environmentalobject 300. The data associated with an impact between the humanappendage 114 and the respective environmental object 300 can include,but is not limited to, a time of the impact between the human appendage114 and the respective environmental object 300, a location of impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object300, or a frequency of occurrences of impact between the human appendage114 and the respective environmental object 300. In embodiments, thememory device 2000 can store data associated with when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance. The data associated with whenthe distance between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance caninclude, but is not limited to, data associated with a time of when thedistance between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance, a locationcorresponding to where the distance between the human appendage 114 andthe respective environmental object 300 became less than the thresholddistance, or a frequency of instances of when the distance between thehuman appendage 114 and the respective environmental object 300 is lessthan the threshold distance.

In embodiments (such as shown in FIG. 21), the system 1700 can include arecorder 2100 operably coupled to the processor 1708. In general, therecorder 2100 is configured to record, store, or the like, data, outputsignals, and communication signals generated by one or more componentsof the system 1700. For example, the recorder 2100 can be configured torecord the one or more output signals from the plurality of sensors 1702in a memory device, such as the memory device 2000. In embodiments, therecorder 2100 is configured to store in the memory device 2000 dataassociated with an impact between the human appendage 114 and therespective environmental object 300. Such data can include, but is notlimited to, a time of impact, a location of impact, or a frequency ofimpact. In embodiments, the recorder 2100 is configured to store in thememory device 2000 data associated with when the distance between thehuman appendage 114 and the respective environmental object 300 is lessthan the threshold distance. Such data can include, but is not limitedto, a time corresponding to when the distance between the humanappendage 114 and the respective environmental object 300 is less thanthe threshold distance, a location corresponding to when the distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object300 is less than the threshold distance, or a frequency of instances ofwhen the distance between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 is less than the threshold distance.

In embodiments, the processor 1708 can be configured to makedeterminations regarding one or more physical aspects associated with atleast one of the human appendage 114 and the respective environmentalobject 300. For example, the processor 1708 can be configured todetermine a force of an impact between the human appendage 114 and therespective environmental object 300. The processor 1708 can access datafrom one or more sensors of the system 1700 to make such determinations.For example, the processor 1708 can access data from a force sensor,from a pressure sensor, from an accelerometer, or the like. Inembodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to determine what a forceof a potential impact would be, should such potential impact actuallyoccur. For example, the processor 1708 can determine, based on at leasta current or previous velocity, speed, or the like of the humanappendage 114, what force the human appendage 114 would impact therespective environmental object 300 should the human appendage 114 andthe respective environmental object 300 actually collide. Inembodiments, the processor 1708 can extrapolate and/or interpolate oneor more of positional data, speed data, velocity data, or accelerationdata to estimate or predict the force at which the human appendage 114and the respective environmental object 300 would collide.

The output reporter 1710 is configured to generate one or morecommunication signals to report information associated with operation ofthe system 1700. In embodiments, the output reporter 1710 is configuredto generate one or more communication signals responsive to instructionby the processor 1708. In embodiments, the output reporter 1710 cancorrespond to one or more of the output reporter 110 or the outputreporter 1010 described herein, including but not limited to thestructural and functional characteristics thereof. For example, theinformation from the output reporter 1710 may be provided one or more ofvisually (e.g., via transmission or display of visual information),audibly (e.g., via transmission or display of auditory information),tactually (e.g., via presentation of tactile information), or as data(e.g., via transmission or display of one or more data signalsassociated with the information to convey). The output reporter 1710 canfunction in combination with the processor 1708 to provide visual,auditory, or tactile information associated with the human appendage 114and/or the respective environmental object 300, such as the proximity ofthe human appendage 114 with respect to the respective environmentalobject 300, impact information, threshold information, or the like.

In embodiments, the output reporter 1710 generates (e.g., via thedisplay device 900) a graphical representation of data associated withoperation of the system 1700. The graphical representation can include amap-based display of the information, which can provide the data withrespect to absolute or relative locations. The map can correspond to aregion proximate one or more environmental objects 300 and can displayinformation associated with interaction between the human appendage 114and the one or more environmental objects 300. For example, the map canindicate frequency of impact (or near impact) between the humanappendage 114 and various environmental objects 300 where the data iscolor-coded to differentiate between differing frequencies. Otherpresentations of data are possible, including but not limited to,topographical plots, bar plots, pie plots, or the like. As anotherexample, the map can indicate time of impact (or near impact) betweenthe human appendage 114 and various environmental objects 300 where thedata is coded to differentiate between differing times of impact (ornear impact).

In embodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to generate arecommendation based on one or more output signals from one or more ofthe remote device 1704 and the plurality of sensors 1702. Therecommendation can include, but is not limited to, a recommendationpertaining to the respective environmental object 300, where suchrecommendation can reduce at least one of a likelihood of impact withthe respective environmental object 300 or a degree of severity ofimpact with the respective environmental object 300. For example, inembodiments, the recommendation includes a recommendation to repositionthe respective environmental object 300 to a new location within theenvironment. The new location within the environment can be a locationthat an individual is less likely to impact with the respectiveenvironmental object 300 as compared to the previous location (i.e., thelocation prior to the recommendation to reposition the respectiveenvironmental object 300). For example, the processor 1708 can access(e.g., from the memory device 2000) one or more modules configured toanalyze the positioning of the respective environmental object 300 basedon one or more output signals from one or more of the remote device 1704and the plurality of sensors 1702. Where the processor 1708 determinesthat the current position of the respective environmental object 300results in too many impacts (e.g., the number of impacts between thehuman appendage 114 and the respective environmental object 300 exceedsa threshold impact value), the processor 1708 can generate therecommendation to reposition the respective environmental object 300 toa new location within the environment. The new location within theenvironment can include one or more of a different location within theenvironment than the previous position prior to the recommendation toreposition the respective environmental object 300, a location within athreshold distance from the previous position, a location outside of athreshold distance from the previous position, a location determined tohave a probability of fewer impacts between the human appendage 114 andthe respective environmental object 300, or so forth. In embodiments,the processor 1708 conveys the recommendation to reposition therespective environmental object 300 via the output reporter 1710. Forexample, the output reporter 1710 can generate one or more of a visualindication of the recommendation (e.g., via the display device 900), anaudible indication of the recommendation (e.g., via the audio device902), a tactile indication of the recommendation (e.g., via the tactiledevice 904), a physical indication of the recommendation (e.g., via theprinting device 906), or a transmitted indication via one or more datasignals (e.g., via the transmitter 908).

In embodiments, the processor 1708 is configured to generate a visiblerecommendation associated with a map corresponding to a region proximatethe respective environmental object 300. The processor 1708 can generatethe map via the output reporter 1710 to provide the visiblerecommendation. The map can include information including but notlimited to, a recommended location to reposition the respectiveenvironmental object 300, a listing of areas proximate the respectiveenvironmental object 300 within the environment to which the respectiveenvironmental object 300 can be repositioned, a region proximate therespective environmental object 300 within a threshold distance, aregion corresponding to locations outside of a threshold distance fromthe respective environmental object 300, data associated with impactfrequency associated with one or more environmental objects, or soforth. For example, in embodiments, the processor 1708 generates the mapvia the output reporter 1710, wherein the map provides a visualdistinction between varying intensities of impact between respectiveenvironmental objects (e.g., lower wavelength colors for areascorresponding to more impacts, higher wavelength colors for areascorresponding to fewer impacts, etc.).

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 1708includes a recommendation to provide the respective environmental object300 with a cushioning material. The cushioning material can reduce adegree of severity of impact with the respective environmental object300 by absorbing or mitigating at least a portion of the force of impactbetween the human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object300. For example, cushioning material can include, but is not limitedto, fibrous materials (e.g., synthetic fibers, fabric, felt, paper,cardboard, feather, etc.), polymeric materials (e.g., foam, memory foam,rubber, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, etc.),entrapped gas material (e.g., air cushions, gas enclosed within plasticfilm, etc.), mechanical devices (e.g., shock absorber, spring-baseddevice, pneumatic device, etc.), or the like. The processor 1708 canaccess (e.g., from the memory device 2000) one or more modulesconfigured to analyze force of impacts between the respectiveenvironmental object 300 and another object (e.g., the human appendage114) based on one or more output signals from one or more of the remotedevice 1704 or the plurality of sensors 1702. In embodiments, when theprocessor 1708 determines that one or more impacts with theenvironmental object 300 results in a force of impact that exceeds athreshold force of impact value, the processor 1708 can generate therecommendation to provide the respective environmental object 300 with acushioning material to reduce or mitigate the force of subsequentimpacts with the respective environmental object 300. In embodiments,the processor 1708 conveys the recommendation to provide the cushioningmaterial to the respective environmental object 300 via the outputreporter 1710. For example, the output reporter 1710 can generate one ormore of a visual indication of the recommendation (e.g., via the displaydevice 900), an audible indication of the recommendation (e.g., via theaudio device 902), a tactile indication of the recommendation (e.g., viathe tactile device 904), a physical indication of the recommendation(e.g., via the printing device 906), or a transmitted indication via oneor more data signals (e.g., via the transmitter 908).

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 1708includes a recommendation to provide the respective environmental object300 with a visible indicator. The visible indicator can reduce thelikelihood of impact between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 by providing a visual indication associatedwith the position of the respective environmental object 300 within theenvironment. For example, the visual indicator can include a visiblelight source that can be placed on/near the respective environmentalobject 300 to provide an individual with a visual indication associatedwith the position of the respective environmental object 300 within theenvironment. The visible light source can illuminate at least a portionof the respective environmental object 300, which can assist anindividual in viewing the respective environmental object 300, such asduring periods of darkness within the environment (e.g., nighttime,power failure, etc.). In embodiments, the processor 1708 is configuredto activate the visual indicator based upon one or more output signalsfrom one or more of the remote device 1704 or the plurality of sensors1702. For example, the output signals from one or more of the remotedevice 1704 or the plurality of sensors 1702 can provide an indicationthat the human appendage 114 is within a threshold distance from therespective environmental object, whereby the processor 1708 activatesthe visual indicator to provide a warning to the individual regarding apotential impact with the respective environmental object 300.

In embodiments, the recommendation generated by the processor 1708includes a recommendation to provide the respective environmental object300 with an audible indicator. The audible indicator can reduce thelikelihood of impact between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 by providing an auditory indication associatedwith the position of the respective environmental object 300 within theenvironment. For example, the audible indicator can include an alarmdevice or speaker device that can be placed on/near the respectiveenvironmental object 300 to provide an individual with an auditoryindication associated with the position of the respective environmentalobject 300 within the environment. The audible indicator can alert anindividual to the presence of the respective environmental object 300,which can assist an individual in avoiding contact or impact with therespective environmental object 300, such as during periods of darknesswithin the environment (e.g., nighttime, power failure, etc.), forindividuals with visual impairments, or the like. In embodiments, theprocessor 1708 is configured to activate the audible indicator basedupon one or more output signals from one or more of the remote device1704 or the plurality of sensors 1702. For example, the output signalsfrom one or more of the remote device 1704 or the plurality of sensors1702 can provide an indication that the human appendage 114 is within athreshold distance from the respective environmental object 300, wherebythe processor 1708 activates the audible indicator to provide a warningto the individual regarding a potential impact with the respectiveenvironmental object 300.

In embodiments, the output reporter 1710 is configured to generate analert responsive to instruction by the processor 1708 when a distancebetween the human appendage 114 and the respective environmental object300 is less than a threshold distance. The respective environmentalobject 300 can be identified by the system 1700 as at least one of arisk for impact with the human appendage 114 or a previously impactedobject (e.g., previously impact by the human appendage 114, anotherenvironmental object, etc.). For example, the processor 1708 can access(e.g., from the memory device 2000) one or more modules configured toanalyze a position of a particular environmental object 300 (or ananalog for the environmental object, such as a sensor of the pluralityof sensors 1702, etc.) relative to the human appendage 114 based atleast in part on one or more output signals from one or more of theremote device 1704 or the plurality of sensors 1702 to determine adistance between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300. The processor 1708 can then compare thedetermined distance between the human appendage 114 and the respectiveenvironmental object 300 to a threshold distance to determine whetherthe determined distance is less than the threshold distance. Thethreshold distance can be a stored value that can depend on spacingconsiderations (e.g., constraints of the size of the environment), candepend on particular environmental objects (e.g., more dangerousenvironmental objects can have a larger attributed threshold distance),or the like. Such comparison can occur on a periodic basis, a continuousbasis, or the like. Where the processor 1708 determines that thedistance between the respective environmental object 300 and the humanappendage 114 is less than the threshold distance, the processor 1708can instruct the output reporter 1710 to generate an alert. Inembodiments, the alert can be one or more of an audible alert, a visualalert, or a tactile alert.

In embodiments, the alert is associated with the human appendage 114. Analert associated with the human appendage 114 can include, but is notlimited to, one or more of an alert displayed on the human appendage114, an alert projected to the human appendage 114 (e.g., from alocation remote from the human appendage 114), an alert indicating thehuman appendage 114, or the like. For example, the alert can include,but is not limited to, an alert originating from a device on the humanappendage 114, an alert indicating or identifying the human appendage114 (e.g., displaying the alert on a screen that provides at least anindication of the human appendage 114, such as by accentuating an area,region, object, etc. on a map), a visual or audible alert projected froma device onto the human appendage 114 (e.g., directing light or sound atthe human appendage 114), or the like. In embodiments, the alert isassociated with the respective environmental object 300. An alertassociated with the respective environmental object 300 can include, butis not limited to, one or more of an alert displayed on the respectiveenvironmental object 300, an alert projected to the respectiveenvironmental object 300 (e.g., from a location remote from therespective environmental object 300), an alert indicating the respectiveenvironmental object 300, or the like. For example, the alert caninclude, but is not limited to, an alert originating from a device onthe respective environmental object 300, an alert indicating oridentifying the respective environmental object 300 (e.g., displayingthe alert on a screen that provides at least an indication of therespective environmental object 300, such as by accentuating an area,region, object, etc. on a map), a visual or audible alert projected froma device onto respective environmental object 300 (e.g., directing lightor sound at the respective environmental object 300), or the like.

FIG. 22 illustrates a method 2200 for monitoring one or more of a humanappendage and an environmental object within an environment, which canresult in generating recommendations pertaining to the environmentalobject to avoid or reduce impact between the human appendage and theenvironmental object. Method 2200 shows identifying a tag with a readerin block 2202, where the reader and the tag are paired, each of which isconfigured for individual positioning proximate a human appendage and anenvironmental object. For example, the reader 104 of the tag and readerpair 112 can identify the tag 102. Method 2200 also includes generatingone or more output signals responsive to identification of the tag inblock 2204. For example, the reader 104 can generate one or more outputsignals responsive to identification of the tag 102, where the one ormore output signals can correspond to a threshold associated with one ormore of the tag 102 or the reader 104. Method 2200 also includesreceiving the one or more output signals in block 2206. For example, theprocessor 108 can receive the one or more output signals from the reader104 of the tag and reader pair 112. Method 2200 further includesgenerating a recommendation pertaining to the environmental object basedat least in part on the one or more output signals in block 2208, wherethe recommendation is directed to reducing at least one of a likelihoodof impact with the environmental object or a degree of severity ofimpact with the environmental object. For example, the processor 108 cangenerate a recommendation pertaining to the environmental object 300based at least in part on the one or more output signals from the reader104. The recommendation can include, but is not limited to, arecommendation to reposition the environmental object 300, arecommendation to provide the environmental object 300 with a cushioningmaterial, a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 witha visible indicator, a recommendation to provide the environmentalobject 300 with an audible indicator, or the like.

FIG. 23 illustrates a method 2300 for monitoring one or more of a humanappendage and an environmental object within an environment, which canresult in generating recommendations pertaining to the environmentalobject to avoid or reduce impact between the human appendage and theenvironmental object. Method 2300 shows identifying a tag of a pluralityof tags with a remote reader in block 2302, where at least one tagpositioned on a human appendage and at least one tag positioned on anenvironmental object. For example, the remote reader 1004 can distinctlyidentify a tag of the plurality of tags 1002, where at least one tag ispositioned on the human appendage 114 and at least one tag is positionedon the environmental object 300. Method 2300 also includes generatingone or more output signals responsive to identification of the tag inblock 2304. For example, the remote reader 1004 can generate one or moreoutput signals responsive to identification of the tag of the pluralityof tags 1002, where the one or more output signals can correspond to athreshold associated with the tag positioned on the human appendage 114and the tag positioned on the environmental object 300. Method 2300 alsoincludes receiving the one or more output signals in block 2306. Forexample, the processor 1008 can receive the one or more output signalsfrom the remote reader 1004. Method 2300 further includes generating arecommendation pertaining to the environmental object based at least inpart on the one or more output signals in block 2308, where therecommendation is directed to reducing at least one of a likelihood ofimpact with the environmental object or a degree of severity of impactwith the environmental object. For example, the processor 1008 cangenerate a recommendation pertaining to the environmental object 300based at least in part on the one or more output signals from the remotereader 1004. The recommendation can include, but is not limited to, arecommendation to reposition the environmental object 300, arecommendation to provide the environmental object 300 with a cushioningmaterial, a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 witha visible indicator, a recommendation to provide the environmentalobject 300 with an audible indicator, or the like.

FIG. 24 illustrates a method 2400 for monitoring one or more of a humanappendage and an environmental object within an environment, which canresult in generating recommendations pertaining to the environmentalobject to avoid or reduce impact between the human appendage and theenvironmental object. Method 2400 shows identifying a sensor of aplurality of sensors with a remote device in block 2402, where eachsensor is configured for positioning proximate a respectiveenvironmental object of a plurality of environmental objects. Forexample, the remote device 1704 can distinctly identify a sensor of theplurality of sensors 1702, where a first sensor 1702 a is positioned ona first environmental object 300 a and a second sensor 1702 b ispositioned on a second environmental object 300 b. Method 2400 alsoincludes generating one or more output signals corresponding to at leastone of a proximity of a human appendage or an impact occurring at asensor in block 2404. For example, each sensor of the plurality ofsensors 1702 can be configured to generate one or more output signalscorresponding to at least one of a proximity of the human appendage 114with the respective sensors or an impact between the human appendage 114and the respective environmental object 300 on which the sensor islocated. Method 2400 also includes receiving the one or more outputsignals in block 2406. For example, the remote device 1704 can receivethe one or more output signals from the sensors of the plurality ofsensors 1702, where the remote device 1704 can be coupled to theprocessor 1708 for processing of the one or more output signals. Method2400 also includes providing an indication of at least one of theproximity of the human appendage with the sensor or when an impactbetween the human appendage and the respective environmental objectoccurs based on exceeding a threshold in block 2408. For example, theprocessor 1708 can process the one or more output signals to provide anindication of at least one of the proximity of the human appendage withthe sensor of the plurality of sensors 1702 or when an impact betweenthe human appendage 114 and the environmental object 300 occurs based ona threshold value (e.g., distance threshold, frequency threshold, etc.)being exceeded. Method 2400 further includes generating a recommendationpertaining to the environmental object based at least in part on the oneor more output signals in block 2410, where the recommendation isdirected to reducing at least one of a likelihood of impact with theenvironmental object or a degree of severity of impact with theenvironmental object. For example, the processor 1708 can generate arecommendation pertaining to the environmental object 300 based at leastin part on the one or more output signals from the plurality of sensors1702. The recommendation can include, but is not limited to, arecommendation to reposition the environmental object 300, arecommendation to provide the environmental object 300 with a cushioningmaterial, a recommendation to provide the environmental object 300 witha visible indicator, a recommendation to provide the environmentalobject 300 with an audible indicator, or the like.

The state of the art has progressed to the point where there is littledistinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmwareimplementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware, software,and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in certaincontexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.There are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/orother technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware,software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will varywith the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or othertechnologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determinesthat speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for amainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibilityis paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly softwareimplementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt forsome combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, thereare several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devicesand/or other technologies described herein can be effected, none ofwhich is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to beutilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehiclewill be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, orpredictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilledin the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations willtypically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.

In some implementations described herein, logic and similarimplementations can include software or other control structures.Electronic circuitry, for example, may have one or more paths ofelectrical current constructed and arranged to implement variousfunctions as described herein. In some implementations, one or moremedia can be configured to bear a device-detectable implementation whensuch media hold or transmit device detectable instructions operable toperform as described herein. In some variants, for example,implementations can include an update or modification of existingsoftware or firmware, or of gate arrays or programmable hardware, suchas by performing a reception of or a transmission of one or moreinstructions in relation to one or more operations described herein.Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, an implementation caninclude special-purpose hardware, software, firmware components, and/orgeneral-purpose components executing or otherwise invokingspecial-purpose components. Specifications or other implementations canbe transmitted by one or more instances of tangible transmission mediaas described herein, optionally by packet transmission or otherwise bypassing through distributed media at various times.

Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing aspecial-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise invoking circuitry forenabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing oneor more occurrences of any functional operations described above. Insome variants, operational or other logical descriptions herein may beexpressed directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked asan executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, C++or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwiseimplemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., alogic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, ahardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) ofexpression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the logicalexpression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware description orother circuitry model before physical implementation in hardware,especially for basic operations or timing-critical applications.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, each functionand/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples canbe implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Inone embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described hereincan be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors(DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, some aspects of theembodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalentlyimplemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programsrunning on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs runningon one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on oneor more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or moremicroprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof,and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for thesoftware and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skillin the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, the mechanisms ofthe subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed asa program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrativeembodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless ofthe particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry outthe distribution.

In a general sense, the various embodiments described herein can beimplemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types ofelectro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical componentssuch as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually any combinationthereof and a wide range of components that may impart mechanical forceor motion such as rigid bodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics,electro-magnetically actuated devices, and/or virtually any combinationthereof. Consequently, as used herein “electro-mechanical system”includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupledwith a transducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal,a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitryhaving at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitryforming a general purpose computing device configured by a computerprogram (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer programwhich at least partially carries out processes and/or devices describedherein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms ofmemory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electricalcircuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communicationsswitch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electricalanalog thereto, such as optical or other analogs. Examples ofelectro-mechanical systems include but are not limited to a variety ofconsumer electronics systems, medical devices, as well as other systemssuch as motorized transport systems, factory automation systems,security systems, and/or communication/computing systems.Electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarily limited to a systemthat has both electrical and mechanical actuation except as context maydictate otherwise.

In a general sense, the various aspects described herein can beimplemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof and can beviewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.”Consequently, as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is notlimited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electricalcircuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit,electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integratedcircuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessorconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forminga memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, readonly, etc.)), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electricalequipment, etc.). The subject matter described herein can be implementedin an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, the plural can be translated to the singular and/or fromthe singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/orapplication. The various singular/plural permutations are not expresslyset forth herein for sake of clarity.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “operably coupled to” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or“operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelesslyinteracting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logicallyinteractable components.

In some instances, one or more components can be referred to herein as“configured to,” “configured by,” “configurable to,” “operable/operativeto,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc.Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms (e.g.“configured to”) can generally encompass active-state components and/orinactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unlesscontext requires otherwise.

In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open”terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “includingbut not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “havingat least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). If a specific number of an introduced claimrecitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in theclaim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claimsmay contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one ormore” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrasesshould not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claimrecitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particularclaim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containingonly one such recitation, even when the same claim includes theintroductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinitearticles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically beinterpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holdstrue for the use of definite articles used to introduce claimrecitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introducedclaim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art willrecognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to meanat least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “tworecitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least tworecitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). Typically a disjunctive word and/or phrasepresenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate thepossibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “Aor B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

This disclosure has been made with reference to various exampleembodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges and modifications may be made to the embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, variousoperational steps, as well as components for carrying out operationalsteps, may be implemented in alternate ways depending upon theparticular application or in consideration of any number of costfunctions associated with the operation of the system; e.g., one or moreof the steps may be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps.

Additionally, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in theart, principles of the present disclosure, including components, may bereflected in a computer program product on a computer-readable storagemedium having computer-readable program code means embodied in thestorage medium. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium may be utilized, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks,floppy disks, and the like), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs,Blu-ray discs, and the like), flash memory, and/or the like. Thesecomputer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructionsthat execute on the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified. Thesecomputer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readablememory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processingapparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructionsstored in the computer-readable memory produce an article ofmanufacture, including implementing means that implement the functionspecified. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause aseries of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified.

The foregoing specification has been described with reference to variousembodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat various modifications and changes can be made without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosureis to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense,and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scopethereof. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problemshave been described above with regard to various embodiments. However,benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, a required, or anessential feature or element. As used herein, the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” and any other variation thereof are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, a method, an article, oran apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include onlythose elements but may include other elements not expressly listed orinherent to such process, method, system, article, or apparatus.

In embodiments, the system is integrated in such a manner that thesystem operates as a unique system configured specifically for functionof one or more of the systems described herein (e.g., system 100, system1000, system 1700, etc.) used to monitor an environment and theenvironmental object(s) therein, and any associated computing devices ofthe system operate as specific use computers for purposes of the claimedsystem, and not general use computers. In embodiments, at least oneassociated computing device of the system operates as a specific usecomputer for purposes of the claimed system, and not a general usecomputer. In embodiments, at least one of the associated computingdevices of the system is hardwired with a specific ROM to instruct theat least one computing device. In embodiments, one of skill in the artrecognizes that the systems described herein (e.g., system 100, system1000, system 1700, etc.) and associated systems/devices effect animprovement at least in the technological field of environmentalsensing.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a tag and a readerpair, the tag and the reader configured for individual positioningproximate a human appendage and an environmental object, wherein thereader is configured to identify the tag; a substrate configured toconform to the human appendage, the substrate coupled to at least one ofthe tag or the reader, the other of the tag or the reader configured tobe coupled to the environmental object; a processor operably coupled tothe reader and configured to receive one or more output signals from thereader, the one or more output signals corresponding to a thresholdassociated with the tag or the reader, the processor being configured togenerate a recommendation pertaining to the environmental object toreduce at least one of a potential for impact with the environmentalobject or a degree of severity of impact with the environmental object;and an output reporter operably coupled to the processor and configuredto generate one or more communication signals responsive to instructionby the processor.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to determine that an impact has occurred between the humanappendage and the environmental object based on the one or more outputsignals from the reader.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processoris configured to determine that a distance between the human appendageand the environmental object is less than a threshold distance based onthe one or more output signals from the reader.
 4. The system of claim1, further including: an impact sensor associated with one or more ofthe tag and the reader, the processor configured to receive one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereinthe processor is configured to determine that an impact has occurredbetween the human appendage and the environmental object based at leastin part on the one or more output signals from the impact sensor.
 6. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to determine whena distance between the human appendage and the environmental object isless than a threshold distance based at least in part on the one or moreoutput signals from the impact sensor.
 7. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding: a location sensor configured to generate one or more outputsignals associated with a location of at least one of the humanappendage and the environmental object, the processor configured toreceive the one or more output signals from the location sensor.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to determine thatan impact has occurred between the human appendage and the environmentalobject based at least in part on the one or more output signals from thelocation sensor.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor isconfigured to determine when a distance between the human appendage andthe environmental object is less than a threshold distance based atleast in part on the one or more output signals from the locationsensor.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the reader includes thelocation sensor configured to measure the location of at least one ofthe reader or the tag.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the locationsensor includes at least one accelerometer, wherein the location sensoris configured to measure at least one of a distance or direction from aninitiation point based on activation of the accelerometer.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, further including: a recorder operably coupled to theprocessor and configured to record the one or more output signals in amemory device.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor isconfigured to generate a visible recommendation associated with a mapcorresponding to a region proximate the environmental object.
 14. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the recommendation includes a recommendationto reposition the environmental object.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein the output reporter is configured to generate an alertresponsive to instruction by the processor when a distance between thehuman appendage and the environmental object is less than a thresholddistance, wherein the environmental object is identified as at least oneof a risk for impact with the human appendage or a previously impactedobject.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the tag includes at least oneof an RFID tag, a magnetic material, a metallic material, or an opticallabel, and wherein the reader includes at least one of an RFID reader, amagnetic detector, a magnet configured to detect the metallic material,or an optical reader.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the outputreporter includes at least one of a display device configured to providea visual representation of the one or more output signals, an audiodevice configured to provide an auditory representation of the one ormore output signals, a tactile device configured to provide a tactilerepresentation of the one or more output signals, and a printing device.18. The system of claim 17, wherein the output reporter includes thedisplay device, wherein the visual representation includes a mapcorresponding to a region proximate the environmental object.
 19. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the recommendation includes a recommendationto provide the environmental object with at least one of a cushioningmaterial, a visible indicator, and an audible indicator.